Chapter 10: Trust My Rage

Disclaimer: read prologue

"Yer going to pay for that, wench-ah!" Jagrfelm roared, raising his ax in the air, ready to swing.

Jane kept her hands up to blast more of her powers as well. Her posture hunched slightly and her eyelids clenched. The vision blurred, begging for sleep when there was hardly time. She didn't realize that she was stumbling on her feet, her forearms landing on the beast's dinner table.

Kelsey screamed at Jane to get up, shaking the bars more like herself than the metal. For a minute she thought she was back up there - the Hellcarrier, forced to watch her godfather get shot three times. Now she must sit by and watch the beast kill Jane. Her forehead rested on the bars, letting out a wailing cry. Her head and heart were pounding extensively in rhythm. As if both were having a power struggle, shrinking the air that she had left.

Oblivious to Thor's voice telling her to calm down, she slid herself from the bars, ready to hit the metal floor. Thor caught her shoulders by the scoop of his arm, patting the girl's cheek to wake her up. He gazed between Kelsey and Jane who was struggling to keep her eyes open and her legs straight. The Aether was taking a toll on the mortal. If she used its power once more, Jane could die. He needed to get out of here. He needed his hammer through the bars so they could all escape and slay the monster.

Jane's eyes widened at the slight of the blade, falling back from the table and hitting her head onto the rocky ground. There was no blood or a fractured skull, though her vision began to blur. Jane may not be able to see clearly but was able to make out green hovering over her.

He tightened his grip on the ax, letting out a deep swine chuckle.

"Jagrfelm!" Thor set Kelsey down, gripping the bar to pull himself upright. He attempted to use his hammer, but the cell refused to fight its own metal. "You leave her alone!"

The beast narrowed his eyes at the god's teary face then Jane's sleepy one, who was mumbling words that no one could understand.

"Jagrfelm, she is a mother! There is a boy in another world waiting for her to come home!" Thor reduced to begging and empty threats. "You can't take this out on a child! This is between you and my father! Kill me! Feed my flesh! If you lay a hand or blade, there shall be a war against you! You will die in vain!" Loki was right about one thing, Jagrfelm wasn't an idiot. Jagrfelm had put the pieces together of Thor and Jane's relationship, lowering his weapon slightly.

"Ah," Jagrfelm awed in understanding. "Love. A deadly weapon known-ah to man-ah. It makes the weakest man strong-ah."

"I will drag you to Hel myself," Thor continued his threat. "An assurance that you will suffer!"

"And yet," Jagrfelm ignored the Son of Odin, raising his ax while eyeing the trembling mortal before him. "It is a weakness for the strong."

"Jagrfelm! Please!"

"Ye will pay for your father's debt. Yer suffering shall be enough!"

"Stop!" Thor's roar didn't sway the monster, but someone else's suave voice did.

"Excuse me?" Both Jagrfelm and Thor's heads faced the god of trickster stepping out of the shadows. His broad grin irritating Thor's nerves. How the god of thunder wished that he was out of his cage, right now.

"Hi," Loki greeted the beast, interlacing his fingers together, "I don't mean to impose. I can see you are in the middle of an execution-"

"Loki, not now!" Thor pounded his fist against the cage, earning a look from the monster before he turned his curious red eyes at the trickster.

"Ye dare interrupt me, boy?!" Jagrfelm's roar didn't shake Loki. The god of mischief remained calm and collected.

"I did not come to fight, Jagrfelm," Loki declared. "I'm not your enemy. I am-"

"I care not for who ye are, Asgardian. After her-" he pointed the ax at Jane, "you're next!" He returned his attention to the mortal shuffling away from him but not far enough to avoid the blade.

"You think it is a good idea to be doing that, good sir?" Loki offered, forming a painful expression towards the weak mortal on the ground. She wasn't going to last in here, especially the horrid smell. Jagrfelm glared at the trickster but dismissed the words by a blink.

"Aye, I do!" Jagrfelm raised his ax.

Loki cleared his throat, slyly getting a whiff of his scent on his clothes before forcing to embrace the cave's odor. "Very well. I shall see you in Hel, monster."

Jagrfelm stopped his tracks, hesitant to execute the girl. He rolled his eyes, lowering his weapon and facing the trickster, taking a good look at him. Jagrfelm noticed something significant around Loki's wrists.

"Why are ye in chains?" Jagrfelm challenged.

Loki breathed out with amusement, creeping a smirk across his lips, "Why are you in hiding?"

The beast blinked, flaring his blood-stained snout almost taken back by the question. He could see by the look of Odinson's eyes that this smug snoot was not well-liked. This god was an enemy of Asgard, the same as Jagrfelm.

"Why can't I kill the wench-ah?"

"For your question," Loki took a couple of steps across, keeping his eyes locked on the monster. Anywhere else showed an indication of fear or suspicion. All attention was on Loki, but not at the hole in the cavern wall where the goddess of war was hiding.

"The woman, laying before you, possesses the Aether," Loki explained, "capable of destruction, chaos, and..." he rolled his shoulders back and craned his neck until a relief pop was present, "giving a god a whiplash." Jagrfelm widened his eyes, glaring at the mortal in shock.

"That's right," Loki confirmed the beast's silent question. "She has the Aether, and we both know who is coming to get it." He could see the fear in Jagrfelm by the shaky grip in his ax and the quivering mouth.

"Ye brought her here in my cavern! Get out! Take the wench with ye!" Jagrfelm turned, forcing Sif to quickly duck behind the massive anvil, out of his view. The blade of the ax beat the cage without damage, perking the sleeping teenage girl awake. Thor rubbed Kelsey's back, checking up to see if she was alright. All Kelsey could do was ask questions until she saw what's happening outside the cage. Jane lied there motionless but alive. Loki was there, talking to Jagrfelm. Judging by the smirk, Kelsey knew that Loki was up to no good.

"You gotta be kidding me," she breathed out more to herself than Thor, pulling the collar of her shirt back over her nose.

"But Jagrfelm, this is my gift to you," Loki explained, gesturing the mortal. He ignored protests in the background, especially Jagrfelm.

"A gift-ah?! A gift-ah?! How can this hot potato be a-" Jagrfelm was about to reach down and grab the mortal by the hair but Loki's warning not to touch her pulled the monster back.

"Just hear me out," Loki raised a cautious hand up, calmly asking for some patience. Everyone was paying attention to him, except one. Sif entered the hideout, a forearm shielding her nose. She quietly searched the walls for the cage's key.

"You want revenge against Asgard. I want revenge against Asgard. You want the old man on his knees, I can hand his head to you on a plate."

"How?" Jagrfelm pressed, sounding intrigued by this proposition.

Loki raised a finger, silently telling him not to interrupt, "First, we need to knock down some obstacles, starting with a greedy elf."

"Malekith."

"Yes, with the woman as bait, we can slay him. With Malekith out of the way, we can use the Aether however we want. I know pathways to Asgard without detection. I have the tricks to fool their army and their prince." Loki didn't have to look at Thor's frowning face from the reference. "You have the weapons and power. You can take them out and Odin," Loki smiled as if imagining the beautiful idea in his mind, right now. "Don't you see? Your brawn and my brains - we'll be unstoppable."

"Don't listen to him, Jag," Thor warned the beast in gritted teeth. "Loki lies, and he will deceive you!" The bang of Jagrfelm's ax against the bars without damage silenced the prisoner. The monster turned back to smug Loki, nudging his head as a signal to go on.

"With all the nine realms kingless, I shall take the Allfather's crown for my own. If you want..." Loki opened his palms, beholding the monster before him, "you can become Jagrfelm - The Devourer of Men - my executioner. Think about it - brutal torture, killings, feasting on Odin's head - you'll live in paradise, better than hiding behind a waterfall."

"What about..." Jagrfelm gestured the troubled lot behind him.

When Jane finally regained her strength and sight, she raised her torso upright, pushing her hands to get back on her feet. She blinked her eyes to see who was hiding behind the anvil. Sif met her gaze, placing a finger across her lips and motioning the mortal to remain on the ground. Jane understood Sif, resting back on her forearms.

"Oh," Loki pursed his lips, dismissing them by a wave. "Do what you want with them - eat them, slay them. The mortal will be worthless after we lure Malekith. I am sure they all explained that we're on The Allfather's bad side. He won't give a damn. They're useless. But if you wish for advice, I would let them rot in a cage and witness their failure, keep the key tightly around your belt."

Sif pressed her lips together, suppressing the curse word from escaping as the rusty key was indeed trapped by Jagrfelm's side. The task of retrieving it without detection will be difficult.

"All of them?" the beast challenged.

Loki huffed, casting a look at the prisoners especially the two locked up. They looked at him with the same everyday expression - hate.

"Every. Last. One," Loki declared in gritted teeth.

Kelsey had to look away from him, refusing to show him the hurt and sorrow by his words. He once told her that he wasn't good for her, that she should stay away.

"That was your plan all along was it?" Kelsey challenged the trickster, dabbing the tears by her sleeve. "Betray us then use the grinch as a pawn to your game?"

"Not a pawn, my dear, partners," Loki corrected, laughing how the girl was a coward for not looking at him. "If you haven't relied so much on the supposed hero next to you, your fate would've been kinder."

"Loki, enough," Thor commanded.

"No, Thor," Loki disagreed with hate laced into his words, "I have enough with you. Take note."

Kelsey wanted to help him, be a friend who could understand, give him a chance. She was stupid enough to follow the rabbit and sink down the hole. All the things she wanted to change. What would've happened if they haven't met? What would've happened if she had it her way and stayed at home - the night of the storm? It's too late to go through the possibilities. She was going to die, fall into the river of fire for her biggest mistakes.

Thor poked the girl's knee for attention. She craned her head to follow Thor's pointing finger. Their savior had come to the rescue, attempting to get the key from Jagrfelm. Sif was creeping behind their cage. Her expression showed horror at the sight of blood and Thor's missing limb, an audible gasp escaped from her. The prisoners scooted back to block Sif from the monsters' eyes if they dared turn. Kelsey covered the warrior's mistake by making the same noises. Thor's narrowed eyes silently instructed Sif that now was not the time to break. She must focus on her mission to save her future king and queen.

"So what say you, my friend?" Loki asked, keeping Jagrfelm's attention on him. Thor and Kelsey wondered if the trickster noticed Sif's presence. Surely, he didn't; otherwise, he would've sounded the alarm, right? Then again, Loki claimed to be a man no one could sneak upon.

Jagrfelm paced around the table in circles, not bothering to looking at the troublemakers behind him. Jane attempted to reach for the key but missed by a few inches as he passed by her.

"Ye make quite a proposition, Asgard's traitor," Jagrfelm began, smirking at all the possibilities. "But..." Loki's face fell at the last word.

Lovely thoughts, yet delusional.

"They ain't the sound I want to hear," the monster narrowed his eyes at the trickster, "especially not from another Odin-want-to-be-ah."

Loki clenched his jaw, not taking the harsh words too kindly, "I am no Odin."

"And yet, you sound like him," Jagrfelm retorted. "Ye both fail to deliver what was promised."

"You rather have the casket that could only freeze creatures?" Loki furrowed his brows in confusion. "What about the Aether?"

"The Aether is not mine to take. Let Malekith have wench-ah if you value your life," Jagrfelm stopped his pace to take a good look at the trickster. "Why don't you value your life, traitor?"

Loki blinked, keeping a straight face, "I'm not sure what you mean."

"You claim to be a prisoner - an enemy of Asgard, yet you came here to stop me from collecting my payment."

"I'm not stopping you," the trickster argued. "You can eat Thor if you want. I thought-"

"You thought you can escape your mate-ah," Jagrfelm snorted in laughter, rising Loki's blood pressure. The trickster refused to look at the staring eyes especially her dark browns. He refused to be framed as weak. "Don't deny it, Loki Odin-son-ah - God of Mischief-ah and Lies," Jagrfelm stated the name in a mocking tone. "As I said before, love is the weakest man's strength."

"I'm not weak," Loki hissed.

"Then you have the weakness of a strong man. Which is which?"

"You don't know what you are saying. I love no one."

"If that's the case... why are you and the girl wearing matching chains?" There was silence. No man or woman made movement or words. All eyes widened as they all took notice of the hanging fang around the trickster's neck. Just as Jagrfelm described, it was almost identical to Kelsey's necklace - different predator's tooth and color.

Kelsey's mouth dropped, grasping the fang around her neck while catching sight of Loki tucking the evidence back under his robes. He kept it, after all this time. The last meeting in the Hellcarrier Loki asked her why she was still wearing his kiss. Why did Loki care to ask if he didn't value their friendship? Why was he was wearing her kiss if he believed she didn't matter? Why did he come to buy the prisoners' time?

Invisible weight dropped down on her shoulders, forcing her back against the bars. Thor's concerning questions didn't meet her ears. She didn't pay mind to the pounding, spinning head no more. All she could focus on was his fallen mask trying hard to piece back together as quickly as possible. Loki was too late to explain himself. No lie could sway what everyone knew already.

Loki cared.

If the situation wasn't life-threatening, Thor would be smiling, which Kelsey was doing unbeknownst to her. Sif and Jane would be laughing, refusing to believe that the handsome monster never loved anyone.

"The question is..." Jagrfelm slid his eyes towards the cage, pointing the ax straight at her who averted her eyes from him. Her happiness was wiped clean. "...does she fancy you, Asgardian?"

This was enough. This creature remained on the trojan horse long enough. He wasn't worth saving. He wasn't a man of reason, he wasn't born such a thing. He had been cheated, yes, but this wasn't an excuse to belittle other people that weren't born with the king's name. Jagrfelm crossed the line. He shouldn't have attempted to slaughter the trickster's title and reputation. Jagrfelm must die.

"Jagrfelm," Loki regained the monster's attention, "you are right about one thing. I am the god of the untrustworthy. Therefore, I am to be trusted to deceive, break, lie, steal, and..." He circled around Jagrfelm until his back was turned from the cage, "stall."

Jagrfelm blinked at the last choice of words, "Stall?"

Loki's smirk deepened.

"Stall for what?"

"For her," Loki ducked, a cue to attack. Sif screeched, startling the green beast as she swung the cage as leverage to jump high. Her sword reached back, aiming for the beast's head. Jagrfelm's ax clashed her sword, both battled for life. Kelsey and Thor were holding onto the bars, cheering for Sif to kick Jagrfelm's ass.

"Just like old times," Loki cooed casually while Sif was keeping herself busy, "right, Sif?"

"Get the key!" Sif ordered.

"I'm on it," Jane Foster leaped forward for the keys when the grotesque got his hands full with Sif. Jagrfelm slimmed his red eyes at the pesky fly clinging next to him. His free hand grasped the woman by the wrist. The move was a big mistake as it created another energy blast.

The table was flying towards the entrance. The cage was spinning and rocking like a boat in a storm. The prisoners inside struggled to get a grip on the bars and keep their lunch inside. Thor proved worse as he puked outside the cage. Sif and Jagrfelm crashed against another cave wall causing more stalactites to fall. Jane screeched, shielding her head while waiting for the multiple stabbings that never came. She was oblivious to a body above her, who was taking the pain in grunts and hisses until the shaking stopped.

"I told you not to touch her," Jane's savior grumbled, forcing the woman on her back by a harsh tug of her jacket. She squinted her eyes, debating whether she was seeing things. Did Loki save her? Were the rips and blood on his clothing real? The only thing he wanted close to gratitude was the key in her fist. There was a tug of war between them, both wanting to unlock the cage. Before Loki could argue, the clashing nearby caught his attention. His eyes tore away from Jane to see Sif dodging the beast's ax. Sif proved to be a worthy adversary, but for how long?

With that in mind, Loki released the keyring, commanding Jane to hurry. She didn't have to be told twice as she pushed herself back on her feet. Loki made it to the hanging weapons, taking his time to admire and debate what to pick. His eyes brightened at the smaller sharp blades at the right-hand corner.

"Why, hello there," he cooed, plucking a knife from the rack, tapping his finger on the tip to test the sharpness.

"Bastard!" Sif roared.

Loki looked over his shoulder to see time slimming. Sif stumbled back against the wall, taking a swing of her sword to scratch the grotesque for the umpteenth time, only for her wrist to be trapped in his grip. She ducked under his arm to avoid the ax that stuck the wall. The cave's shake resumed, nearly lost everyone's footing and heads.

Jane struggled, obeying Thor's command to take cover under the hanging cage to avoid more falling rocks. Thor shielded screaming Kelsey from the pain. Luckily, the stalactites bounced off against the cage only the dust dirtied their clothes and hair.

"Hurry, Jane!" Kelsey squealed, motivating Jane to finish her task. The godmother crawled out of hiding, reaching high to insert the key into the hole.

"You will die for what you did to Thor!" Sif screamed out as he lifted up to his eye level, her legs kicking wildly.

Jagrfelm laughed in snorts, "Oh great. Another wench after the god's heart-ah. How pathetic!"

Sif struggled to release the beast's grip, ignoring the burning glist in her eyes. Sticks and stones may break bones, but the words do hurt even though she refused to show it.

Loki took his shot at the monster, throwing the knife straight at the beast's deltoid. Jagrfelm jolted at the sudden sting, reaching his arm that once held the ax to investigate, lowering Sif back on the ground. A distraction needed for Sif to stab Jagrfelm through the rib cage. His roar intensified the shaking cavern. It's only a matter of time before the lair collapse.

Jagrfelm pulled the sword from his abdomen, ignoring the blood leaking from the wound. He refused to die, not until he had his revenge. The two Asgardians and the wenches were in the way. He shoved the woman's head against the wall, knocking her down. He yanked the ax from the wall, now holding not one but two weapons.

"Enough, lot-ah!" Jagrfelm cried. "Ye won't be receiving mercy from me!"

"Who said anything about mercy?" Loki asked.

Jagrfelm roared, charging straight at the trickster. The man didn't move or utter a word, ignoring the girl's scream to get out of the way. He merely closed his eyes, waiting for the taste of death.

'This is goodbye.'

He felt the cool breeze against his face; the foul smell of puke and blood intensified. He wrinkled his nose and eyes squeezed shut in disgust, glad that his soul won't be a part of this hell for a while longer.

There was a bang then a crash though the trickster felt nothing. Was he dead already? Was he about to enter the gates of Hel? Loki's blinked his eyes open. His one arm savior was standing between him and the grinch. The hammer reunited its owner on the opposite hand; it didn't matter which hand, so long as he was able to wield it. Loki may not see it but could easily picture the intensifying fury in his brother's hooded eyes, ready to fight despite the major setbacks.

"Loki."

The trickster could feel warm flesh around his cold frame, pushing him, forcing him to move. Another unexpected sight before him. Another savior looping his arm around her shoulders. He recognized her frantic breathing and sobs.

"Loki, we got to go! Now! Come on!" she tugged towards the exit. Sif and the godmother already through the hole in the wall, retreating the fight. This battle was between Jagrfelm and the Son of Odin after all.

The two could feel a sprinkle of rain on their skin. The water from the falls leaked through the cracks of the ceiling. The place was about to collapse and flood soon. With a huff of irritation, Loki followed, not taking his eyes off a dangerous sight.

His brother stood on top of the fallen beast, gripping the hammer tightly. Thor refused to leave, not without giving Jagrfelm a taste of his own medicine. He whipped the Mjolnir across the monster's face repeatedly. Blood splattered on the wall, Thor's gritted face and armor suit, and the grotesque's fur. The god of thunder didn't stop, oblivious to the water flooding, the rocks falling, dust invading the lair.

"Thor!" Jane screamed.

"You -" BANG! "Evil" CLANG! "Piece of -" BANG! "Shit!" CRACK! Tears descended down the man's beard. He could picture the grotesque's swine laugh, feasting his lost limb, scaring the poor girl to death. Jagrfelm needed to die. He needed to learn that Thor was indeed the god of thunder. He was oblivious to the damage he caused and the lightning between his knuckles. The monsters did, and they were terrified.

"Thor!" Sif and Jane cried, waking Thor from his rage. The sparks disappeared as he faced his companions.

"We need to go!"

"Please!"

"Hurry!"

Thor could see himself back in Jotunheim, how he put his friends in danger for his arrogance. He could remember the painful reality check that Odin bestowed on him, before Thor's banishment.

"You are unworthy of the loved ones, you have betrayed."

Thor gasped, nearly puked again at the scent and sight below him. Jagrfelm lied there defenseless and broken, coughing blood and shaking from the shock. His teary eyes were pleading for him - the future king - to shed mercy.

"Just..." Jagrfelm snorted for breath, "like... All... Father..."

Looking at the rain above Thor, the wounded companions outside the lair, and the damages below him; the future king of Asgard made his decision.

"I won't kill you," Thor hit his hammer against the wall, not taking his eyes at the wounded, "but I won't save you." For that Thor flew out of the liar in time for it to collapse while the water doused the flames. Jagrfelm remained inside buried alive or killed by the weight. None were sure but refused to find out. As far as they knew, the danger was over.

It didn't alleviate Kelsey's crying; her arms looped around Jane's neck. Meanwhile, Jane caressed her niece's back, hushing the girl with gentle comfort. "It's okay, honey. We're okay."

"I was so scared, Jane. I thought no one would come."

"I know, Kelsey. I know. But he's gone, now. No one is going to hurt you now. I won't let them," Jane shushed Kelsey, raking her fingers through the girl's tangled hair. It didn't take long for them to realize that they broke the no-touching rule without thought of consequence. They were afraid of the worst-case scenario, while Thor didn't care if he got hurt. The women learned the hard way that love can't break the two apart. As Jagrfelm said, it was a dangerous weapon for a weak man's strength. The results proved positive. They didn't want to let go.

Kelsey pushed the voices and pounding migraine back in her mind. Nothing was going to ruin her moment with her family. She refused to let the disorder control her, not this time. Her eyes blinked open to see the familiar steel eyes staring back at her. Her breath hitched at the sight of him. She wasn't afraid of him. He was the reason that they were all alive.

"Thank you. Thank you," Kelsey whimpered, ignoring Jane's response who thought Kelsey was saying those words to her.

Loki kept a straight face, didn't respond. He averted his eyes back at the falling brother. What a sight to behold.

"Thor!" Sif rushed to her hero who trembled down to his knees and coughed the dust in the air. He didn't return the embrace around his back for he only had one arm. He used his hammer to keep himself steady, refusing to fall flat on his face. His eyes cast to the floor, attempting to put the mental pieces back together. All the things he heard, witnessed, and suffered, he wasn't the god of thunder at that moment. He became an armless broken man. It made him sick. He was nauseous, couldn't breathe. The sweat sticking his burning forehead showed evidence of a fever. How was he supposed to protect his companions when he couldn't save himself?

Thor inhaled the fresh breeze, pushing himself onto his feet while stumbling in the process. He ignored the women's protests to sit still. He insisted that he didn't need help. He was no longer bleeding; the rock stitched the socket back together. He was fine. He must be.

"Thor, you lost a lot of blood," Jane dabbed the sweat off his forehead. "Jesus, you are running a fever! We need to stay put! Better yet, let's go home!"

"Actually," Kelsey opened her mouth to sheepishly tell her tale of what happened. How Kelsey was forced to donate her blood to save Thor's life. She didn't get the chance for Thor interrupted.

"No," Thor declined, "we've come too far. We can't back down. We need to get the Aether out of you first," Thor insisted. "We must..." he paused to cough, "keep going."

"I don't think that's possible," Sif shook her head in disagreement. All eyes shifted to her, waiting for an explanation. She showed them by leading towards the cave's light, her entrance into the lair.

"I followed the sounds down the hill," Sif stepped over the large rocks, "but not before I saw the change before my eyes."

All of them froze to see no longer valleys or trees. It was desert decorated with destruction and death. The strong winds were blowing the sand, making it impossible to journey outside. The place was indeed a dark world. What happened in the last half hour?

"How did this happen?" Thor demanded. "Malekith-"

"No," Kelsey shook her head, wiping the tears as she absorbed the truth. "Jag said that this world became a land again... only it wasn't before until tonight when we arrived. Malekith caused this destruction, but all this time, we were living a lie."

"How?" Thor asked, whirling his head to face his brother, "Loki, did you-"

"It's not me," Loki shook his head. "What do I suppose to gain from covering that?" he gestured the sandstorm outside.

Eventually, all came to the same conclusion, eyes trained to the responsible. The twist of reality was evident when Thor and Kelsey nearly fried to death. Who else wanted to see the beauty, the happily ever after?

Jane blinked, observing the Aether that's flowing inside her, "Me?" It wasn't supposed to come out as a question. It was intended as a declaration. She used her power to change the ugly outside without knowledge. She used the Aether again to save Thor and Kelsey from the furnace, bending the fire to her will without thought. They all believed the Aether was capable of blasting energy, but it proved much more.

Loki couldn't help but laugh at the revelation, shaking his head, leaning back against a massive stone. The rest ignored him, some rolled their eyes, didn't bother to scold. Most were tired to fight anyway.

"What I could do with the power that flows through those veins," he uttered.

Jane averted her eyes on the floor, closing the zipper of her jacket protectively. She shivered at the cold stares. She knew what they were thinking. How all of this was her fault. If she hadn't lost her temper, if she hadn't found the Aether first, none of this would be happening. Thor would've kept his hand, they would've had enough supplies to survive the trip, and the queen would've been alive.

Thor's head may be spinning, but it didn't lose the ability to read his lover's mind. She wasn't capable of murder. She wasn't responsible for this mess.

"Jane, don't blame what you can't control," Thor commanded in exhaustion. "Malekith would've gained the Aether sooner if you didn't find it first." Jane closed her eyes, didn't bother to acknowledge his statement. No sweet words or gestures could sway Jane's perspective. She knew she was right. Now she knew how Kelsey felt when she accidentally killed that SHIELD agent. The dark age will haunt Jane for the rest of her life.

"We will rest here for a while," Thor declared quietly, stumbling towards the back. He hated this. The vulnerability. He couldn't even cup the filthy water in one hand without it slipping through his fingers. He couldn't even fight back without any dizzy spells or nausea. He needed time alone to recuperate.

"Thor?"

He didn't look up at the warrior goddess for her feet stepped in his view.

"There was nothing you could've done, Thor."

Thor knew that. He was forced to do nothing while others weaker were fighting to save his life. He was supposed to be the all mighty. When his time came to shine, he let out all his anger, beating the monster to death when it was already down. He almost saw himself as Jagrfelm - a monster - a ruthless king like his father. What happened tonight terrified Thor. Was that how he would become as king?

"Nothing?" Loki challenged Sif's words.

"It's not Thor's fault," Sif argued. "There was no way to sway that monster."

"There wouldn't have been a battle if the Allfather hadn't given his word before breaking it?"

"And you think Thor deserved losing an arm like that?!"

"It matters not. For, I doubt that Odin's other debt collectors care. You hear that, Thor?" The god of thunder closed his eyes, attempting to block his brother's call by splashing water on his face. "Jagrfelm isn't the only one who had been cheated by your predecessor. I mean look at me," Loki gestured himself. "Odin claimed that Thor and I were born to be kings. Where's my crown he promised me?"

Sif snorted, rolling her eyes.

Jane attempted to silence the arguing Asgardians for it wasn't good for Thor's health, "Guys, now is not the time-"

"You think you deserve that crown?" Sif asked Loki, ignoring Jane's plea. "After all you have done? Your limb should've been the one Jagrfelm feasted on, not Thor's!"

"Shut up!"

The warrior goddess and Loki blinked at the teenage girl in disbelief. Kelsey tried to keep her distance, mind her own business as she was massaging the migraine. The argument proved too much. Somebody had to speak up, even if the results showed little.

"What?" Sif asked Kelsey.

"I said stop!" Kelsey extended a hand at the goddess's direction, before pointing at the trickster. "Stop talking to Loki like that!"

Loki raised his brows at that statement but didn't utter a word. Jane, too, couldn't believe her ears. Why was Kelsey defending the man who attacked her and AJ?

"I stop?" Sif pointed at herself.

"Yes! What you said was completely uncalled for!" Sif opened her mouth to argue, but Kelsye didn't want to hear it. "Am I wrong? Loki should've lost an arm, are you kidding me?!" Whether or not Sif had feelings for Thor, whether or not Loki had done some evil deeds in past, all didn't matter, nobody should be treated like that.

"What about you?" Sif challenged. "Are you - as you said - kidding?"

"He helped us!" Kelsey glared at Loki, specifically the necklace tucked under his robes. Her kiss showed the truth, the real reason for his cruelty. Loki wasn't going to explain himself, Kelsey didn't expect him too.

"Yes, but he wanted me to grovel, beg for his help. Did you know that?" Sif offered.

"Did you?" Kelsey challenged, shifting back to Sif.

"No, but-"

"Then it doesn't matter!" Kelsey snapped, couldn't help but sigh with relief, assuring herself by the next statement. "He chose to help anyway! Bought us time in the sneakiest way possible, even when there was no chance of winning!"

"Kelsey," Jane shook her head, silently warning her niece to stand down. Kelsey didn't want to see the disappointment in her aunt's eyes. The girl knew what Jane was going to say. 'You can't defend this monster, after what he had done to you and your brother.' 'What you have is Stockholm Syndrome, completely normal. What's happening is not out of compassion but survival.' 'Loki is not your friend.'

"Fear not, dear, Miss Foster," Loki consoled the godmother. "Kelsey and I are not friends for she hadn't forgiven from the Midgaurd incident, yet. Right, Kelsey?"

The girl didn't respond. How could she explain it? Loki's actions were unforgivable, but there was more to the story than meets the eye. Kelsey heard the voices of the Tesseract and the Aether. She knew what they could do to the person. She understood.

Loki laughed at silence, "As I thought. What does it matter anyway? All thanks to your godmother, we have no supplies." Jane huffed, not bothering to argue the truth. "We are outnumbered. Thor's plan to draw Malekith will get us all killed!"

"I won't let that happen," Thor stated quietly.

Loki drew his brows together, leaning forward to hear his brother better, "I'm sorry, brother, what did you say?"

"I said I won't let anything happen to you," Thor repeated more loudly. "You, Sif, Kelsey, Jane - I will not let Malekith hurt my family again!"

Again? Did Thor make this promise before Malekith slaughtered Frigga? Like father, like son; neither one could keep a promise. How Miss Foster kept her faith for an entire year? Loki could never understand. Kelsey was smart to give up. She was about to lose faith in Loki until he allowed his mistake to show for all to see. He should've had it disposed of when he had the chance.

Loki pressed his lips in a thin line, smiling sadly instead of the usual smug. "It is best that we all say goodbye."

"Not this day," Thor disagreed.

"This day, the next, a hundred years, it's nothing!" Loki pushed back from the rock he was resting on, his eyes steel cold in rage. "It's a heartbeat," he snarled. "You'll never be ready. The only women who love you prized will be snatched from you."

Did he say 'women'? Thor glanced at the mortal woman who couldn't help but think of the worst to come. What comes after the victory? The happily ever after? Then what?

"And will that satisfy you?" Thor growled, narrowing his eyes at Loki.

"Satisfaction is not in my nature," Loki whispered calmly.

"Surrender is not in mine!" Thor retorted louder, closing his eyes briefly as the cave began to spin. Everyone could see that the god of thunder wasn't looking good. Jane placed a hand on his shoulder, urging Thor to sit down and rest. Fighting was getting them nowhere but wasting energy.

Thor leaned away from Jane's touch, limping towards Loki's way. The trickster couldn't help but snort at the struggle. Now Thor was going to see what it's like to be the bait, it's humiliating.

"Please, brother. I know you are scared and hurt."

Loki scoffed, he thought the accusation from before was insulting.

"But you have to trust me-"

"Trust?" Loki challenged, the hate building up in his voice. "Was that her last expression? Trust? When you let Mother die?!"

They were going back to the conversation of the queen's fall. The mother who Loki claimed didn't bother him. There was no point in lying anymore. The kiss proved that he can care. The chain was the key needed to crack the mask apart. Loki could hardly keep himself together. He wasn't even trying to regain his composure. He was desperate for his plan to work.

"Thor," Kelsey attempted to console the god of thunder, but he was oblivious to the warning. He was setting himself up for another tempting opportunity to kill.

"What help were you in your cell?" Thor challenged.

"Oh, I helped, brother!" Loki's bold statement silenced the room. Thor's mouth parted, blinking rapidly, trying to grasp the words in his spinning mind.

"W-What?" Thor asked. What did Loki do?

Loki breathed out through this nose, pressing his lips together. His fists clenched, teeth bared. Tears brimming from his eyes. The emotions that he expressed before had just begun. The mask was coming off, no turning back.

"I sent that creature her way. The burden of her death is on me, not the enemy's blade."

"You sent them to Asgard's defenses?" Thor demanded, stumbled forward, pressing his hand against the rock behind Loki. The god of thunder's dazed eyes fumed, his jaw and fist clenched. He was drunken mad, but it wasn't enough.

Loki sensed the hesitance. One more push that's all he needed. "Do you know what I last said to her, Brother? Before she died?"

"Loki," Kelsey warned.

"Enough, brother," Thor hissed, clenching his fist in rhythm. The woman perked at the crackling sound like an oven's switch. None didn't see the sparks lighting Thor's fingers, lacing around the hammer's handle, but Loki did. He was nearly there.

"I told her," Loki continued without thought, "that she was not my mother and never will be. And you will never be my brother, Son of Odin..."

"I said..." Thor shoved Loki's chest, knocking him back against the rock. "Enough! I said enough!" He raised his hammer to Loki, ready to give him the same monstrous treatment Thor gave to Jagrfelm.

"Thor, that's enough!" Jane called, but her feet were glued to the ground. "He's not worth it, Thor! He's not worth it!" She couldn't move, neither did Sif. The goddess waited for Thor to do the work for her - put an end to Loki. End the suffering Loki put everyone through. This needed to be done. For the good of the family. The good of Asgard. The good of Earth. For the good of Loki.

Kelsey had enough of this. She ducked between the two brothers, putting her hands up against Thor's chest in hopes of stopping him. Thor froze at the unexpected savior standing in the way. Loki blinked, holding back the groan in dismay. Just when Thor was about to do it.

"Kelsey, get back!" The girl ignored Jane's command, keeping her eyes locked on Thor.

"Please," Kelsey begged quietly. "Don't do this. You'll regret it. Frigga wouldn't want you two to fight."

"Well, she wouldn't exactly be shocked, my dear," Loki jested, earning a 'shut up' from the girl.

"Please, Thor. He's not worth the hammer."

Thor blinked back at Loki, expecting to see the smug wickedness. No remorse, no emotion, always a manipulator - a complete sociopath.

But Thor witnessed the complete opposite.

All he saw in Loki was sorrow. It was like looking in the mirror. The same look Thor expressed when their mother died. Loki wasn't a good liar as he used to be. He may have led the enemy her way, but it didn't happen willingly. Loki didn't know where Frigga was. He was in his cell the whole time. How could he have known? It's cleared to be another ploy for mercy. Death over a life sentence in solitude and torturous pain. Mercy. Something that Thor refused to give him.

Thor stopped himself from taking the swing, lowering his arm back to his side, dropping the hammer on the floor. Loki didn't see the rage in Thor's face anymore. Pity. That was all Loki could see. Pity for him. Loki clenched his jaw, not taking a liking to this change of tune. Thor didn't act like the son of Odin. The Allfather, alone, could've easily brought the ax but didn't. Why? His love for the beloved queen. Love was indeed a strong man's weakness. Odin wished to honor her memory by letting the slippery cockroach live. Sentiment.

Loki stood in silence to process the scene before him. Jane and Sif ushered Thor to rest somewhere comfortable, regain strength before Malekith. Thor reluctantly followed but not before he spared a few parting words for his brother, his voice was slurred and exhausted, his eyes glistened.

"I wish I could trust you."

There was always the battle.

Surely, mercy will find the trickster's way soon.

Loki pushed himself off the rock with a simple whisper - reassurance for the older brother, "Trust my rage."

As for Kelsey, the weakest link in the team, her back turned from him, muffling the heavy gasps against her palm. Did the courageous act take such a toll on her? Did she feel so relieved that her Captain Hook lived another day, much to his dismay? There was a debate about whether she was brave or foolish. The girl wasn't her in the right mind. She still believed that they could have a chance to mend a friendship, even if she didn't say the words alone. She should know that there was no hope for them. What's going on between them was star-crossed. She was a fool.

Finally, the two regained contact, attempting to read each other. Loki cleared his throat, breaking the silent tension between them.

"Well, that was fun. We should do it again, sometime, love. Maybe we'll switch roles." He planned to turn away to stare at the storm, but stopped at the tug of his coat, pulling him back to his spot against the rock. "Or we can start now," he offered with a shrug. "I'll be the shield and you're the punching bag."

"Would you mind telling me what the hell is going on?" Kelsey hissed, narrowing her eyes and clenching a fist at his silence.

"Well..." Loki pursed his lips, "In case you forgot, you have been captured. Thor lost an arm. I jumped in to save you. You're welcome, by the way-"

"You think I don't know what you're planning, Loki," she interrupted. "Why else are you trying to push everyone's buttons? Why else didn't you use your magic tonight? You risked your life even when Sif didn't beg for it. You basically stood there and wait for Jag to stab you to death!"

"Kelsey," Loki sing-song. The tone was playful, but she didn't miss the malice mixed with it. A warning to keep her comments to herself. She would've backed down after that threat, but after tonight, she knew the truth. He wasn't going to get away with this, she'll make sure of it. Thor would do the same for he saw it right through Loki's face.

"What I want to know is why you are trying to kill yourself?"

Loki didn't deny or react to her bold accusation.

"There are better ways to hide from the law - change your look, change your name, move to a new town."

"I like my name," the trickster stated, stepping out to view the sandstorm; she followed. "If I have to sacrifice between my hair or my life, I'll most certainly be dead."

"Loki, this isn't funny," Kelsey scolded, grasping his cold hand, only for it to be locked in tight two.

"Who said it was, love?" Loki lifted her hand against his chest, patting it lightly. "Nobody is laughing," his actions were gentle but his voice was opposite - so full of hate. She knew what he was doing as his fingers lightly grazed her hand. He was trying to intimidate her even when he was weaponless and in shackles. How he could easily break her like before. It won't work on her. She knew he won't hurt her, he saved her.

"Why?" she pressed. "What are you afraid of?

He ignored the question as he grabbed her pinky, massaging the joint. Her eyes focused on the limb, mentally preparing for the 'unpredictable' act.

"That reminds me," he smiled. "We made a promise, didn't we?" His eyes shined brightly her way, but it didn't ease Kelsey's stress, "Pinky swore it, as I recall." The girl winced, starting to feel the pinky stretching back by the grip of his own pinky. "What was it you said, Kelsey? Whoever breaks a promise must lose a pinky?"

She instinctively grabbed her hand to save the pinky, while his hand covered hers. If others saw the lock between the pair, all would've mistaken them as boyfriend and girlfriend declaring their love for one another. Kelsey wasn't in love with Loki. He was attractive, but that's lust, not love. What's happening between them was a pitiful game, perhaps a toxic syndrome coming from both ways.

"To think it should've been you who lost a limb, not Thor's."

"Then I guess we owe each other a pinky," she retorted, matching the malice in her tone, catching the trickster off guard by a twitch in his mouth. "You forgot the good times when I was your friend," she reached her mouth to bite his hand. The touch of her saliva and tongue was enough to push him back, releasing her hands to wipe the wet substance on his pants. His face wrinkled and snarled in disgust. Had the girl lost her maturity? Didn't she reach the Midguardian age to be called an adult?

"Loki," Kelsey massaged her pinky, inspecting it to make sure it wasn't broken or blue. "I don't blame you for what happened in New York. What happened back there... You lost contro-ah!" She gasped, feeling her body collide to the rock. His hand slapped over her mouth, using his strength to keep her jaw close but not enough to break it.

"No," he growled in her ear. "You don't understand. You don't even know half of what I had been through, Kelsey. Nothing."

Kelsey muffled against his hand, he understood what she was trying to say. He pulled back, tightening his mouth in a thin line. He huffed, tucking the damp curl behind her ear, ignoring the rain dripping the crease of his hand.

"The world is a dangerous place, love," he attempted to soften the blow, hoping it would be enough to satisfy the girl's curiosity. "We both know that better than everyone else. People break the rules to have what they want in mind. But at the end of the day..." He removed his hand from her mouth, shushing her heaving gasps, wiping the tears by his thumb, "when it comes to the heart..." he tapped her chest where the muscle was thumping loudly at contact, "it's everyone for themselves."

"Kelsey!" Jane called. "What are you and Loki doing?"

Kelsey's eyes softened, dabbing the corners of her eyes by her sleeve, processing what Loki just said to her. Something did happen to Loki. Something horrible. It scared him enough not to tell anyone or her. What was he afraid of that pushed him to suicide? She opened her mouth to ask, but someone wanted her attention.

"Kelsey?!" Jane repeated.

Loki put a finger to his lips, silently pleading the girl to keep their conversation quiet. Loki was begging her? That never happened often.

"Uh... n-nothing!" Kelsey immediately cursed at that answer. "Shit." Of all the answers to tell a parent, no child should ever say the word 'nothing'. The word alone could only draw suspicion.

"What do you mean 'nothing'?!"

"I'm just getting some fresh air!" Kelsey pressed.

"From a sandstorm?!"

"Do you have any idea how long I had to smell that shit in Jag's lair?!"

"I know! I was there! Now, get over here. I can't keep my eyes on both you and Thor at the same time."

Kelsey huffed, "Isn't that what two eyes are for?" She covered her mouth, hoping that Jane didn't pick up that smartass comment.

"What?!" Jane pressed. She didn't sound offended but not amused either.

"I-I'm coming!" Kelsey insisted though she didn't move. She was too busy analyzing Loki's behavior. Loki bit his lower lip, holding back the laughter. The playful twinkle in his eyes, the mischief smirk that planned pranks instead of world invasion. It was nice to see this side of him again. Her Captain Hook finally showed himself. Kelsey couldn't help but approve with a dreamy smile. How she missed him. She could've helped him if only he'd let her.

She reached his collar to peek at the kiss around his neck. His cool shackled hands grasped hers. Instead of threatening to break her pinky, he lowered his attention at the torn cape bandage around her forearm. He untied the knot without her protest, inspecting a scab wound surrounded by an oval size bruise. The small price to pay to help the god of thunder.

"My, oh my," he breathed out, tracing the bruise's edge by his finger. "What happened here?" Her breath hitched at the chilling contact. She opened her mouth to explain, but before she could, he raised her arm to plant a chaste kiss on the needle mark. She jolted, the shivers running down her spine, chilling her arms and legs in a most pleasant way. No man had ever made her feel the impossible things like Loki can. She wasn't supposed to like men kissing her hand, why didn't she mind the trickster doing it? How she had wished he could do more. Tempt her to break the number one promise that she had made seven years ago.

"Kelsey!"

Once he pulled back, the evil smug returned his features, leaving the woman baffled. She blinked, realizing that she had been tricked. Another tactic to distract her from getting answers. Loki may have won this round, but next time (if there was a next time), he will the narrate his tale from start to finish

"Kelsey! I'm going to count to three!"

"Alright! I'm coming!" Kelsey cried, stepping out from their hiding place. She cast a glare at Loki who casually stared at the chaotic view outside as if their conversation never happened. "This isn't over," for that, she departed back to the group.

A/N: Hope you enjoyed the chapter. It seemed like Loki and Kelsey hardly have any time together to sort out their issues. It's obvious that Loki was keeping something from Kelsey, something to do with the Chitauri and their master. Will he open up and allow her and Thor to help? Can Loki carry out his plan, if Kelsey's suicidal theory was right? Is Thor going to be well enough to fight Malekith, protect Loki, and destroy the Aether? Will Thor choose the throne or his love for Jane? I set up a poll at Quotev . com to see what your thoughts on how you want book 1 to end and what you are looking for in book 2. The title of Book 2 will be different and you won't be reading the same book like before. Thank you, readers, for giving this story/remake a chance and supporting it with comments and adding it to your favorites and alerts. You guys rock!