Title: The Unforgiving

Summary: Horror Challenge. Loki receives a cursed gift made just for him. Nightmares and voices from the shadows haunt him. They think he's insane and no one believes him, not even Thor. Bent on breaking the curse, Loki disappears with no trace but the gift. He is sent into a world that brings fear known to humanity back to life. And it is up to Thor and the Avengers to bring Loki back.

Some ideas from: J.E.D.

A/N: Set a year and a half after "Two Worlds of a Hero".

Warnings: Horror, Graphic Description of Death, Violence, Psychological Trauma, Gore, Blood-lust, Mentions of Sexual Abuse, Loki-whump/Angst.

oOo

Chapter 1 – Trepidation

Hate was such a strong word.

Despise was more of the term he'd use to describe everyone in Asgard. Of course, that included his brother, Thor. Loki loathed the fact that he and his brother continued to argue. Despite the fact that they've both reconciled, it still wasn't enough. He appreciated Thor's brotherly tendencies to protect him, but Loki had pride and dignity left in him to push that away.

He did not want to be coddled like a mere child.

Although the sentiment was appreciated, he'd rather keep it in close quarters.

Ever since Thor had found out what tortures and humiliation was given to him by the Chitauri, Thor wouldn't put it past him to allow Loki to live normally without a constant reminder of his past. His protectiveness over Loki grew to a point where it was unbearable for the younger sibling. Thanos and the Other were still out there, just beyond those stars, waiting and forming a way to break them slowly. Loki was one of those few things to be broken, so just in case something happened, Heimdall would alert them and the Avengers would be there to help out.

That was their deal.

Loki knew Thor was deluded in his goals. Possibly because of the overbearing thought of Loki's torture, but Loki found that utterly ridiculous. It was invading his privacy and ruining whatever trust and appreciation he had for his brother. Thor would not leave Loki be.

A year and a half of constant protection,

As if that wasn't enough.

Loki had no choice but to deal with it until he would finally snap and tell Thor off. Although somewhere deep inside Loki's heart, he found the sentiment quite endearing and bitter-sweet.

"Keep your shield up!"

"Like this?"

"You cannot stop and ask your enemy what is right! You must learn how to fight with instincts. Again!" Clank. "Again!" Thud. "You're not doing it right!"

"I—"

"Stand up!"

Loki sat quietly on the railings near the training grounds, leaning on the pillar with his legs neatly folded over the other. He was half listening to the warriors of Asgard fight left and right while half his attention focused on the book on his lap. Immersed in both, Loki couldn't help but overcomplicate things. In the middle of his thoughts, formed a distant memory that always resurfaced no matter how much he wanted it to go away.

"We cannot hold him accountable for his crimes."

That was what they had agreed upon.

He was lucky to be pardoned of his sinful acts, but not as lucky when it came to acceptance. The Aesir were harsh people. Once a rumor or truth surfaces around you, it cannot be undone. Their thoughts were easy to corrupt, and it was hard to persuade them that he was still the Prince of Asgard.

—And Jotunheim.

Nobody wanted a Jotun prince in the palace.

No one.

The only fault that Loki could never forgive was the fact that Odin let slip the truth of his heritage to all of Asgard's people. They despised him, loathed him, and belittled him even more. Some feared him, but most of all, they questioned his very existence.

"They will adjust to the truth." Odin had spoken that day. "No more lies."

Loki would rather drown in lies than to be filled with unforgiving truths that would no less be his future demise. He also did not like the fact that Thor had entrusted the knowledge of his torture to the Warriors Three and Lady Sif. Loki could understand that Thor had to explain certain tortures to his parents, but to allow his friends to know of his brother's humiliation at the hands of the enemy? That was something Loki could never understand.

"My Prince, what has you in such a foul mood?"

Loki looked up to see one of Thor's dashing friends trying to pry answers from him. He detested their very existence and wanted to shy away, but it was too late for that.

"Hello." Loki said dryly.

They were no friends of Loki.

The Avengers were considered close allies, possibly even in friendly standards given their time together, but the friendship being offered by the Warriors four was not for him. Loki believed they only put up with him because Thor could not stand seeing Loki live alone forever. Loki could care less if they suddenly and spontaneously combusted right in front of him. He would have happily danced on their ashes and be on his merry way to freedom.

But freedom was always fleeting.

"Well my Prince?"

"What do you want, Fandral?"

"A mere conversation," He urged. "If you would allow me this?"

Loki strongly agrees with the belief that Fandral was put to the task of asking since he was the least candidate to start an argument with. After all, with Fandral's charms and slight fancy for Loki, it would have been a good starter. If not for the fact that Loki was in a completely foul mood today.

"Do not concern yourself in matters not worth the risk." Loki jabbed without a second thought. "There are plenty of things that have me in a foul mood. One of them is your face."

"Such cruelty," Fandral sighed. "Coming from you, Loki, it hurts."

"If this is about Thor, you should go away." He turned back to his book.

"But Loki, I cannot do that. Not until we know what is going on with you and your brother."

Loki looked at the middle of the training ground and found Sif, Hogun and Volstagg staring at him. They immediately turned their heads away as if the scene did not happen. Loki huffed uncharacteristically and closed his book in frustration. He lowered his legs off the railing and stared directly at the nervous warrior standing in front of him.

"If you wish to know, consider it done."

"Oh."

Loki glared at him. "I abhor each and every single one of you."

With that, Loki dropped from the railing and walked away, leaving Fandral to question his answer. He was bewildered at the sudden sternness of Loki's character, that some part of him feared it. Fandral walked back to his friends, who were eager to know what was going on. Fandral had nothing but a disappointed answer to give them.

"I believe he wishes to be alone." Fandral frowned.

"He's been doing that for days now." Sif crossed his arms.

"And he has not slept properly."

"Why is that?" Volstagg wondered.

"Thor said that he is plagued with nightmares." Hogun answered. "It started a few months ago, and is gradually getting worse."

"Why hasn't he gone to see the Healers?" Fandral wondered. "Or even the All-Father or the All-Mother?"

"Loki has pride left in him, Fandral." Sif argued. "He wouldn't tell a soul, not even if it is already obvious in his features. I do not like what's happening, but I cannot ignore Thor's distress in this. It is affecting all of us. Not just Loki."

"They have been arguing a lot." Fandral added. "Trying to find out would be weaving yourself into numerous threads of false answers and getting lost in them. There is just no way of knowing which is up or down when it comes to our Princes. They have been through plenty of horrid things, especially Loki. I cannot fully blame him—"

"No one blames him."

"Ah, but Sif, that is where you are wrong!"

"Do tell, Fandral."

"Loki has not been accepted back into our ranks, even if he has the title for it."

"I must agree." Volstagg patted his belly sadly. "Ever since Loki returned, nothing has been the same. We were wrong about the boy, and no matter what we do, his hatred of us still lingers."

"He has a reason to keep it." Sif muttered.

oOo

"What do I do?"

"Oh stop being a child, Thor."

"But Mother—"

Thor lounged savagely on his parent's bed, staring at the ceiling with nothing but frustration building inside of him. Frigga, the calm mother, did all she could to end Thor's worried thoughts about his brother. But Thor was too stubborn and insistent on the fact that Loki could not be left on his own. Frigga was quite adamant in trying to restore the very thin thread that both Thor and Loki tread upon.

"I am sure that your brother is having difficulty adjusting." Frigga said. "Being so far from home could lead to distress."

"A year and a half is not enough for him?"

"Thor, you know as well as I do that whatever Loki had encountered in the past will never be easy to deal with in the future. Trauma is not something you could easily get rid of. Whatever you saw and went through would be a burden to you both. Being the older brother, you must understand. Loki had been through more than you did in such a short span of time. To him, it is an eternity."

"Is that what he told you?" Thor lifted himself using his elbows.

"Hmm…" She looked away.

"Mother, I wish to help Loki."

Frigga sighed and took Thor's hand and glided her thumb over it comfortingly. Thor sat upright and stared at her. She was the very embodiment of what a mother should be and Thor was lucky to have her.

"Listen well, my son." Frigga softly spoke. "You have to let Loki do as he pleases. It has been long since he had been himself and you pressing his issues on him are not helping."

"But—"

"Let me finish. You adding to his frustrations when all of Asgard is already breathing down his neck are not right. You know how stubborn Loki is and how he deprives himself of any help, thinking that he does not deserve it. It is a defense mechanism that every person with trauma deals with. In your brother's case, he has many issues. He will fight, and he will break down, but you must be there for him. Wait until he comes to you."

"I am trying." Thor frowned.

"Try harder." Frigga smiled. "Only when he is ready."

"I fear for him."

"There is nothing we could do that won't aggravate him further."

"His nightmares, Mother. It is getting worse and he is not seeking any help."

"And you think I do not know that?" Frigga shook her head. "I am his Mother, Thor. I know what is plaguing him. He has not been sleeping these past few months and I cannot dictate what goes through his mind. He is his own worst enemy, Thor. Give it time."

Thor closed his eyes and announced.

"I feel horrid, Mother."

"Wait until the time is right."

"What should I do for the time being?"

"Go to your Father, Thor." Frigga patted his hand. "He is busy, but he will speak to you. You are his son first and foremost an important person in his life. The nine realms could wait a few minutes more for a son wanting advice."

"You are always so kind and compassionate." Thor smiled. "Thank you, Mother."

"Heed my words, Thor."

"I will."

oOo

Thor paced, stumbling through the throne room while Odin sat there like a disturbed Father, trying to understand his son who is very confused as to what to do to make amends. Odin listened to Thor continuing to complain about his squabble with his brother and Odin did not look amused at the slightest. He sat there looking slightly bored, yet was attentive at listening.

"Father, I know this is not how you work, but I already asked Mother and she said to give it time." Thor sighed. "A year and a half is more than enough time to adjust."

Odin nodded.

"I admit that I was at fault for saying such horrid things to Loki about his time with the Chitauri, but Loki is at fault as well. He does not trust that I will always be there—"

Odin raised a hand to stop him.

"I know how this story goes."

"Father—?"

"I am sure that you could give him something for the trouble." Odin mumbled absently. "The two of you have been arguing day in and day out yet you always make amends in the end. You should be used to this by now, Thor."

"I know." Thor nodded.

"Do what you think is right. I may not have been a good Father to Loki, nor am I to you, but I am sure that once you find a way to console, everything will return to normal."

"Nothing is the same anymore."

"Thor, I am not the right person you should be talking to in this kind of situation." Odin stood up and walked towards him, patting him on the shoulder. "You've gone to your Mother, and she has already given ample advice. I do not think my words will be of much use to you."

"Yes, Father." Thor nodded.

"Go find your brother. I am sure he misses you by now."

Thor nodded again and wondered what he should do to make amends.

Odin had long since walked away to tend to the issues concerning Aesir's everywhere while Thor decided to run off back to his room to think. Thor knew that being a Prince was hard. There were duties to uphold, lectures to attend to and the formation of an image that would ensure regality and perfection.

He had all of that, and yet he questioned what would happen if he became King.

He had once thought being a Prince meant nothing but grace, an easy life, good status and happiness, but now that he was wiser, he knew that it meant so much more. Now that he was closer to being King, he knew the tasks would be much harder and far less amusing as he once believed. There were duties to the Lords, the people and the council that you had to fulfill, war strategies you had to make, courts you should attend to and many other that Thor would rather not dive into.

For now, his thoughts were of Loki.

He took notice of the idea of giving Loki a gift.

His brother liked plenty of things that were out of the ordinary. Thor recalled one moment in their childhood that Loki had begged him to win one of those skeletal trinkets during a match. Thor had won it and Loki was happy. He could also recall his brother's collection of odd objects. There were vials, Dragon skins, crystals, ancient scrolls, a few pendants and lockets in his collection. Loki never wore or used some of them. At least, not that Thor had seen Loki touch them, but he knew Loki cherished each item with his heart.

A gift was a good idea to start an apology.

"A gift it is then." Thor thought.

oOo

Night passed quickly.

Already in his night clothes of a soft silky green tunic embroidered with gold linings, Loki laid on his bed. He stared at the ceiling with a book on his chest. For the whole day, Loki had stayed in his room, spent his lunch and dinner inside and continued to sulk silently.

Loki questioned the thought of what the Avengers were up to. Loki knew that Thor longed to return to Earth and see the Avengers and that mortal, but the only problem was Thor's protectiveness of him. It stops Thor from visiting them.

"Norns, not again." He moaned.

Loki dropped the book on the floor and curled up on the bed.

He groaned and closed his eyes in pain.

He allowed the moment to pass, knowing there was nothing to fight it off. The nausea went on and off, and Loki hated it. It wasn't an illness, nor was it much of an issue.

It was just disturbing that Loki always had that dizzy feeling.

Lately, whenever he encountered sleep, the nightmares plagued him and prevented him from having a good night's rest. He never spoke of it in fear of worrying his family, but he knew it was obvious in his features. Loki yawned and was thankful the nausea left.

He just wanted one peaceful night of rest.

Was that too much to ask for?

Knock. Knock.

"About time," Loki expected the arrival. "The door is open."

Loki continued to lie there as he stared at his brother walking into the room.

Thor had closed the door silently and strode towards Loki. Loki looked sickly from the lighting, and he questioned why Loki did not get up from the bed to greet him. Thor also noticed the light was dimmed, but to the point where Loki could still read. Apparently, Loki wanted to stay half awake and to half succumb into slumber.

Thor was rather observant today and noticed the disregarded book on the floor. When Thor reached Loki's bed, his brother made it difficult for him.

Something was wrong.

"Are you well?" Thor asked.

Loki merely looked up and stared.

Thor saw those dull green eyes before and it usually meant that Loki was not quite in good shape. Thor missed Loki's bright green eyes that showed mirth, mischief and chaos, but most of all, happiness. Ever since Loki returned to Asgard, Loki's green eyes remained dull and disturbed.

"If it's all the same to you, I am humbly sorry for saying horrid things to you," Thor muttered, and sat next to him, making the bed dip and Loki groan in annoyance. "You do not want to relive those memories, yet here I am, always reminding you of them—"

Loki raised a hand to stop him.

"Loki, I'm only trying to—"

"Did you go to Mother?" Loki asked.

"I did." Thor nodded, staring at Loki trying to sit up.

"What did she say?"

"She said that I must wait and offer an apology. She told me whenever you are ready, I should go to you. I felt that now might be a good time before we both sleep uncomfortably."

"What else?"

"I told Mother you've adjusted, but that is pretty much the only lie I can allow myself to believe."

"Never took you for a liar." Loki sat there, hugging his knees.

"I was never good at it." Thor gave up and spoke. "I also went to Father as Mother advised, but he never really helped."

"That's because you are a stubborn child."

"My words are sincere, Loki. I wish for peace, and I want my loving brother back."

"I was never a loving person." Loki shrugged.

"Now who is the liar?" Thor smiled. "We all know that your heart is bigger than you think. You cherish love given to you and you give love strongly. This is the reason why you break twice as much—"

"I forgive you."

"— and, wait…What?"

"Don't make me repeat it." Loki looked away.

"Why?"

"Why not?"

"Humor me, Loki." Thor frowned. "Why?"

"Mother said her piece to you. The All-Father wasn't much of a help and you did not spend time with the warriors four. You endured my silence and your disgruntled conscience. So consider this a heartfelt punishment that you more than deserved. So I forgive you."

"I was not expecting that."

"What more do you want, an embrace?" Loki chuckled. "No, do not answer that. That was rhetorical."

Thor stared at Loki for a few moments and noticed Thor's lingering stare. Loki sighed and nudged Thor, who snapped out of his daze and continued to frown at Loki. Loki did not like the attention he was getting from his brother and he knew that look more than anything else.

It was Thor's concerned face.

"You are really difficult to look at." Loki honestly said.

"What has you so troubled?"

"Perhaps I've merely grown tired of being alone." Loki fisted the sheets with his other hand. "I've already done that far too much and doing so again will surely corrupt me. With Thanos and the Other still out there our future seems—"

"Do not think of it."

"How will I do that?" Loki admitted. "I'm sure you already know that they plague me each night. There's no escape."

"Have you thought to see the healers?"

"What is the point?"

"Loki, they might have an idea on how to help you." Thor insisted.

"And allow Asgard to mock me further? I'd rather endure a lifetime being plagued with nightmares than to live in a world where I am not wanted. They already hold me at arm's length. I do not want to be pushed farther away. I was once their Prince, Thor. Now I am no more than just a title without any meaning to it."

"I do not think of you that way." Thor patted Loki's head like a child.

Loki slapped his brother's hand away.

"Stay the night, won't you?"

"Do you truly want me to?" Thor raised an eyebrow.

"Will you stay or not?" Loki huffed. "You are more than welcome to leave."

"I will stay."

Loki watched as Thor crawled to the other side of the bed, lay flat on his stomach and buried his face on the pillow. Loki laughed and crawled next to him and pulled the sheets up to both their waists and laid on his side, curling into a ball. Loki waved his hand and used magic to dim the lights a little more, enough to be able to sleep. Thor peeked from the pillow and noticed that Loki was merely staring at him.

"What?" Thor asked.

"You are so silent." Loki mumbled.

"Does my silence bother you? Last time I checked, being noisy got me kicked out of your room."

"Silence in general does not bother me, brother, but yours does. Your face does this strange expression that I cannot describe. It happens when you are anxious to voice out an opinion or idea."

"I was thinking of giving something to you." Thor sighed.

"Oh."

"Oh?"

"Why ever so?"

"So we would make amends." Thor mumbled. "Now that you have forgiven me, I don't think that will be necessary anymore."

"Shame," Loki scowled. "I rather like peace offerings."

"You wish for a present?" He groaned, hoping that was not the case.

"Why? Have you given up?"

"I have not gotten it yet." Thor looked for an excuse. "You have to wait for the right time for me to give it to you."

"I never enjoyed surprises, but I do love receiving gifts." Loki laughed. "Just not those stupid ones that you brought to me when we were younger—"

"Don't." He grunted.

"But that is such a beautiful tale."

"I thought we agreed never to speak of that atrocious tale ever again."

"But it is amusing, brother."

"You almost told our friends of it." Thor spoke about the Avengers. "You made it clear what kind of gifts you'd rather have, and I learned my lesson. Never will I repeat another stunt such as that again."

"Those furry horned creatures called—"

"Loki—"

"—Goats."

"Ugh, brother!" Thor protested.

"But it is funny, Thor!" Loki continued to laugh. "I recall wanting to keep one of those furry horned creatures and you wanted to make it special. So you hoarded them in your chamber until it was time to hand it over to me. Never had I seen such an ill thought plan, and you also got caught. Though I must admit, that is one of the most memorable moments that I cherish until this very day."

"Glad to know you find humor at my expense."

"Your punishment was not horrible."

"Cleaning dung at the stables was a horrible punishment, Loki!"

"That tale aside, what is this present of yours supposed to be?" Loki innocently asked. "What should I expect from you?"

"No." Thor pouted. "You will not convince me into telling."

"Whatever do you mean?"

"Do not act so innocent, Loki."

"Come now, Thor. Tell me and be done with it."

"No." Thor covered himself with the sheets and glared at Loki. "Sleep. Now."

"Fine."

"Good Night, Loki."

"Good Night, brother." Loki muttered as he watched Thor close his eyes.

A few minutes later, his brother was already snoring and Loki was still awake. Loki feared what nightmares would plague him now. Each time it was different, but often times it was the same thing over and over and when Loki was so close to understanding his nightmares, the patterns change as if it was done on purpose.

Loki continued to watch Thor sleep.

He stared at his brother's chest move up and down and looked at Thor's peaceful face and his messy hair all over the pillow. Loki wanted to sleep the same way. He wanted to be able to not care about the way he slept or the way he was positioned. He just wanted to sleep peacefully the same way Thor was. It took hours, before sleep overwhelmed him.

And Loki could no longer fight it.

oOo

His thoughts rippled away from him piece by piece like shards of glass hovering above an empty space of darkness. His vision spun as he saw himself changing form in those mirrors. Crimson eyes and blue skin stood right in front of him.

A monster.

Loki twisted and turned from his sleep, groaning as he felt pain creep up to his chest, leaving him deprived of air. In that darkness, he clawed for a way out. He saw his breath form a misty chill as ice formed slowly in the mirrors and covered them whole, enough for the image to completely disappear.

"What is happening?" Loki breathed, feeling slightly cold when he should not be feeling it.

"Loki."

Loki spun at the call of his name, nobody was there.

Laughter echoed nearby.

Nothing but darkness along with the floating icy shards of mirror greeted him. The haughty sound of laughter continued to remind Loki of fear.

Who was it again?

What was his name?

For a moment, Loki seemed to have forgotten the familiar tone of the voice. Who was he? Whose voice was that from? Why couldn't he speak his name? What letter does his name start with? Who was he? That dark, demented, cruel and selfish voice, whose was it?

He couldn't remember.

Loki embraced himself and backed away slowly, hearing the same laughter echo around him over and over, mocking him. It was angry, loathing and unpleasant.

"Such a good boy—"

"This is not happening." Loki cursed.

He felt a ghostly touch from behind him and jumped, turning around. Loki saw blue, blue and red. There was blood, blood all over him. The blue, there was blue in front of him. He looked up, slowly, terrifyingly… those…. Those crimson eyes— were so resentful and disappointed.

"You…" Loki breathed, backing away.

"You killed me." Laufey moaned.

"I had to."

"You killed me." He repeated.

Loki was taken back, feeling the whole place spin on its axis. Laufey's words dug and carved deep like a dagger, making Loki feel incredibly uncomfortable. The man in front of him was dead. Loki thought he had forgotten Laufey, but apparently, his Father wanted him to remember.

"For him," Laufey gurgled with blood. "You killed me for— Odin."

"I had to!" Loki shouted.

"My own blood. My son, why?"

"I'm not your son!"

"Bast—ard."

Loki backed away slowly and felt his foot slip. He tumbled and fell, reaching up to grab whatever was nearest. There was a hand that caught him, sturdy yet old. Loki breathed heavily, looking down at his feet where the image of the void swirled into endless eternity.

Loki feared who caught him.

When he looked up, he saw Odin holding his hand tightly.

Odin looked disappointed to see him, and no sooner was Odin's grip loosened. Loki's eyes widened when he realized what Odin was about to do. Loki frowned and tried to pull himself up, but Odin shook his head.

"Please, don't." Loki begged. "Father?"

"You are no son of mine."

And Odin released him. Loki fell, unable to scream. His voice was deprived of any sound as he was sucked into the void, rippling through the darkness. He attempted to claw his way out, but he fell back from where he started and sat up furiously.

Surrounded by darkness, he didn't move.

"The sight of you sickens me."

Loki heard something sharp grind hard at metal.

It screeched in his ears and he turned around to face the Other lustily walking towards him. Loki stood up and felt a sharp pain on his side that brought him to his knees. Loki looked up to see the Other grinning at him. It held the dagger up to strike and that was the moment Loki felt panic rise up in his chest, making his breathing labored.

For a moment, his heart stopped.

"Noooo!"

Loki jolted awake from his bed as sweat trickled down his forehead. He hadn't realized he was clutching the sheets far too tightly, almost tearing them apart.

"It was just a dream." Loki swallowed. "A nightmare."

Loki felt something in the pit of his stomach, making him nauseous. He bolted out of the bed towards the bathroom, only to trip on a large wooden trunk, sending him toppling to the floor.

"What in the Norns?" Loki screamed, sitting up.

Loki eyed the dark and mysterious wooden box on the floor. He stretched a hand over it to touch the carvings on the edges. All of a sudden, Loki's nausea left him, and Loki was completely enamored with the intricate carvings of the trunk.

"What is this?" He murmured.

Forgetting his nausea, Loki tilted his head and brushed his finger over the object. He traced the runes that carved its edges, and he could not make it out. The carvings were half Asgardian and something completely different at the same time. Loki found himself fascinated by the sheer rarity of it.

"Where did this come from?" Loki stood up. "Could it be?"

He then noticed a letter that was neatly folded and placed to stand up on his bed side table. Loki walked over to it, picked it up and unfolded it.

Loki,

I left early so I could hunt with the warriors three and Sif.
You were resting peacefully so I didn't wake you.
Hopefully you'll understand.

Love, Thor.

Loki titled his head in confusion and questioned whether this strange trunk came from his brother. There wasn't any other note indicating it was, and Loki couldn't help but overthink it. Loki curiously and excitedly wondered what it was.

Loki lowered himself to the floor and tried to pry it open, but it wouldn't budge.

"Great, a trunk that would not open."

Loki sat there, feeling betrayed.

He waved his hand to try and unlock the trunk by magic, but the green energy he released dispelled itself and disappeared.

"Strange." He voiced out.

Loki blinked in confusion and tried again. The trunk was protected by magic that made things more complicated than they should be.

"Where's the key?" Loki looked around his room. "It has to be in here somewhere."

He saw the keyhole in the middle and grunted in annoyance. He placed his chin on the bed and traced patters on the sheet with his finger.

Where would the key be?

A brilliant yet obvious idea came into Loki's head and he immediately propped himself up on the bed with his elbow and reached out for the pillow. He yanked it hard and threw it on the other side of the room and yes! The key was under it. The key was rusted and obvious from lack of use, but Loki figured it added to the mystery.

"Let us see what you are and where you came from." Loki smirked excitedly.

He turned to the object on the floor and placed the key into the hole and paused for a moment, allowing the excitement to build up. He turned the rusted key and it clicked with enthusiasm. Loki gracefully lifted the box with a smile, only for it to falter as quickly as it appeared.

"This must be a joke."

Loki reached for a dagger lodged in-between the headboard and the bed and poked the object inside the trunk. If this was from Thor, Loki didn't know what to expect from it. Loki scowled further when nothing happened. He dropped the dagger next to him and picked up the object with both hands.

Loki could feel dark energy radiating of it.

"Very funny." He mumbled.

He held it by its ribs as a mother would a child.

"You are one terrifying child."

It was a creepy looking toy shaped of a new born babe.

The left side of its head was split open right above its eye with barbwires attached, as if it was sewed there on purpose. The color of red stained its left side as if it was oozing blood while its ears were half bitten off.

The doll had white orb-like eyes like crystals that reflected your image.

"Poor thing." Loki scowled.

He just couldn't keep his eyes off it.

"Who would do such a thing to a child and think it's pleasant to create you?"

The child's teeth were crooked and were all over the cheek and mouth. It protruded itself in different angles piercing through skin. Loki touched it and felt its sharpness, like tiny daggers wanting to draw blood.

"Such cruelty and indecency."

Half of the doll's face was full of angry scratches, also stained with red. When Loki trailed its eyes down to the child's neck, it was gruesomely sewed into a circle around the neck, right at the top of where the collarbone should be, as if to attach it. Everything else below looked as if it was burnt to crisps, still looking like molten flesh and skin that matched with bloodstains.

"If you really came from Thor, this means war." Loki sneered, huffing in annoyance. "If he thinks this is funny, oh ha ha!"

Loki placed the doll back into the trunk, but didn't bother to close it. Loki immediately took some clean sets of clothes from his drawer and brought them to the bathroom. He washed his hands first, because the skin on the doll felt so real and disgusting that he wished to smear it off.

He took a bath first and continued to think about the doll.

Whoever gave it to him, if it was Thor or not, he had to know. There was no one else in his room but Thor, so who else should it be but his brother? That was the only logical explanation. Loki figured he'd ask Thor or Heimdall about it later.

Loki lowered himself peacefully in the water and scrubbed his body clean.

If it was Thor, where would he even find such an object anywhere in Asgard? Unless he and his friends made it, that was very unlikely.

Thud.

Loki stopped scrubbing and turned his attention to the door. He listened closely, allowing the water from the bath to settle silently.

Thud.

There it was again.

Loki got out of the bath and wiped himself dry with a towel and quickly changed into his clothes. A menial task and it took only a few minutes. When he got out of the bathroom and walked out the door, he stopped dead at his tracks, unable to process the idea.

"What in the Norns?"

The doll lay out like a child on the bed, half embracing the dagger that he placed right next to the trunk. Loki scowled and slowly walked forward, looking at the door and waited for something to happen.

Loki waved a hand to touch it with magic but it dispelled the same way as before. Loki crept forward and sat on the bed with his hair dripping wet.

He stared at the doll intensely.

"How did you get over here?" Loki questioned.

Thor was out on a hunt, so it wasn't possible for it to be him.

The only logical explanation was for someone to sneak into his room and change the dolls position while he was in the bath. How utterly brilliant! Loki could have sworn he broke a vein somewhere inside his brain at the sheer stupidity of the idea, and to think he believed he was getting through the people of Asgard.

It must've been a maid or a guard.

"Stay here, creepy doll."

He ordered, knowing full well he was talking to an inanimate object.

oOo

Thor and his friends finally returned from an early morning hunt not far from the outer walls of Asgard. He had woken to find something rare to skin off to add to Loki's collection. Of course, he decided to bring the warriors three and Sif along to make it easier and bearable.

Right now, they were at the training grounds waiting for Loki to wake up. Thor unhooked a small pouch from his belt and stared at the glowing crystals inside. It came from a huge beastly creature they killed who tried to sneak off with it.

It was a rare crystal.

"Do you think Loki will appreciate your gift, Thor?" Fandral smirked.

"I know he will." He smiled. "We merely have to wait."

"Are you sure he will not storm off in anger like he used to whenever you give him gifts?" Sif raised an eyebrow. "You know how he is. He hates everything that involves hunting."

"Not everything." Thor shrugged.

"He hates skinning for fur." Volstagg mumbled.

"Loki hates things covered with blood." Fandral pointed out and counted the times Loki yelled at them for it. "He hates those that smell foul, and are half alive and in need of mercy killing. Oh, we should be glad Thor did not pick one of those. That would have been terrible. We've already been through enough squabbles to last a lifetime."

"A lifetime?" Sif snorted. "You are barely half into your life!"

"The day I shall enjoy, will be the day you age, Milady."

Sif knocked Fandral off the stone railing and onto the sandy training ground. Leaving the other warriors and Thor included to laugh at Fandral's ridicule. Sif blushed embarrassingly while Fandral laughed along with them, knowing full well it was a joke. He lifted himself back up to sit with them on the stone railing to relish the childish moment.

"Good times." Volstagg smiled. "Fandral is right. Dear Thor always gets into Loki's nerves."

"You lack faith in me." Thor bellowed.

"Look! It's Loki!" Fandral pointed. "Loki! Come join us!"

Loki walked past the bridge and into the arch, ignoring the beautiful view of the peaceful waters and the blooming flowers potted in perfectly made marble vases. Loki had a confused expression, equaled with disappointment, dismay and held secrets that leave people guessing.

"He is not happy." Hogun addressed.

"He must've heard people whisper nothing but harsh words behind his back." Sif said.

Loki stopped right in front of them as they all turned their attention to him. Thor hopped off the ledge and reached out for the pouch of crystals, but Loki stopped him before he could even try.

"Brother?"

"Loki?" Thor innocently asked.

"May I talk to you alone?"

"Of course." Thor turned to his friends. "Excuse us."

Thor pulled Loki by his wrists and pulled him into an empty hallway with nothing but a good view of Asgard in their sights. Large pillars with billowing curtains stretched to the far end of the hall where the railings connected. Thor stopped them in the middle and Thor frowned at his brother with concern. Loki fidgeted slightly and stared at the ground.

"Did— did you forget something last night?"

"If you are talking about the letter," Thor spoke. "I left it there on purpose."

"No," Loki shook his head. "Not the letter."

"What is it?" Thor dropped his hand to his side. "You look troubled. Are you well?"

"Just disturbed," Loki mumbled incoherently. "I wanted to know about this morning. Perhaps you left a certain trunk in my room and left the key under my pillow—"

"Loki, I don't understand you."

"I— well, you know how I have a knack for things that are not preferred by other people, but this is just absurd and ridiculous."

"What are you talking about, Loki?" Thor laughed. "You are not making much sense."

"Wait." Loki scrunched his face. "When did you return from the hunt?"

"Just a few minutes ago."

"Oh."

"Oh?"

"Stop repeating what I'm saying, Thor." Loki crossed his arms. "It's not funny."

"You are funny." Thor smiled. "I haven't done anything. I swear it. Whatever it is that has you questioning me, it is not of my doing. Ask Heimdall and he will tell you that I have not been anywhere near your room since I left this morning."

"Is that so?" Loki scowled.

"Believe me, brother." Thor smiled. "Now, I wanted to give you this."

Thor took Loki's palm, opened it and placed the pouch on his hand.

"What is this?"

"My present to make amends."

"Oh."

"Enough with the Oh, Loki," Thor laughed. "I figured now would be the best time instead of making you wait. You look troubled so maybe it would ease your worries."

Loki looked at him with confusion.

"Go on. Open it"

Loki untangled the knot and allowed whatever was inside to roll into his palm. They were beautiful glowing crystals and Loki found himself mesmerized by the soft glow of its colors.

"Do you like it?"

"I— I have no words to say." Loki bit his lips. "I'm so confused, Thor."

"Why are you so confused?" Thor grimaced. "Do you not like it?"

"I love it but— but— it's just—"

"But it is not of your liking."

"What?"

"It's alright, Loki." He breathed, knowing it was too good to be true. "Just be honest with me and I will accept whatever you say, but no more lies. Please."

"No, I just thought," Loki shook his head "I was wrong, brother. You were part of the theory I had earlier, but now I'm just confused. There's this thing in my room. A child."

"A child?"

"Not a real one, you Oaf."

"Be more specific."

"I thought it was you who was trying to— to scare me." Loki admitted. "There's this doll that looked as if it was tortured and I figured since you were the only one in my room last night, that it might've been you who was doing those things. I don't know if it was a joke on your part because we fought but—"

Thor frowned at him.

"But I was wrong—"

"You are."

Thor scowled and started to walk away, looking a bit offended.

"Where are you going, Thor?" Loki blinked.

"To think."

"Thor, wait!" Loki followed after him. "Let me explain."

"There's nothing to explain, Loki." Thor grunted, completely offended. "It's fine. I understand."

"No you don't." Loki breathed.

"Loki—"

"I just thought that you might've left me a present before you left!"

"Why would I do that?" Thor stopped for a moment and turned back at him. "You know how I relish your reactions to my gifts. Why would I leave you alone to not witness it?"

"I just thought—"

"I've given you a gift to make amends, what more do you want?" He turned to another empty hallway. "I am not begging you to accept any apology from me. You've forgiven me, yes, I can understand that, but at least consider my thoughts and feelings when you accuse me of such acts."

"Brother, please."

Thor stopped, because he knew that tone.

It was sincere.

"Please, brother."

Loki begged, and Thor hated when Loki begged.

It brought ideas back into Thor's head of Loki's time with the Chitauri, the interrogation, the beatings, the torture, the rape and the humiliation. It was too much. He could only imagine Loki bending over to their dark wills just to escape from the horror.

"I swear that's not what I meant, brother."

"It's fine." Thor turned to him. "I did not mean to be so dramatic."

Loki embraced Thor without a second thought, looping his arm around Thor's neck while the older brother stood there in shock. Thor slowly wrapped his arms around Loki's waist and frowned when Loki parted away from him with a forced smile.

"Apologies." Loki mumbled.

"You know I've changed."

"I do."

"I know you, Loki. You rage and hurt upon betrayal. You tear yourself apart by thinking too much of ill will. But remember this, any action I have towards you will never be of ill. Because if it is, then it is not I, do you understand?"

Loki nodded.

"Good."

"If it's all the same to you," Loki looked up. "I love the crystals, Thor."

"I'm glad you like them." Thor smiled. "Now what is this about a child that you accuse me of?"

"Get your mind out of that idea, Thor." Loki blushed.

"I am not thinking anything dirty, brother." Thor laughed. "But jests aside, what is it about a child?"

The mere mention of it caused Loki to spiral back into a certain depression that Thor knew all too well. Thor took a step forward and caressed Loki's cheek with his finger and smiled at him. Loki looked up, calling for help through silence.

That was the signal Thor needed to help his little brother.

"None of that." Thor scolded.

"Thor, I received something horrid this morning." Loki explained. "I woke up to terrible nightmare, only to face myself with a reminder so disturbing, it terrifies me. It's not truly creepy, but the story behind it makes me question where it came from."

"Alright, let me see it."

oOo

"We should have asked Heimdall first." Loki said as they continue to walk through the halls to Loki's room.

"We'll ask later." Thor said. "It's still in your room, yes?"

Loki nodded.

"Alright."

Thor opened the door while Loki followed behind like a scared anticipating child. Loki stayed by the door while Thor looked around Loki's room to find where the doll was. Thor kicked the trunk that Loki had told him about, but there was nothing inside it.

"Is it still there?" Loki asked.

"No, it's not."

"How is that possible?" Loki scowled. "I left it right there."

"Maybe someone went into your room and took it." Thor said. "You said the doll had some sort of dark energy that is repelling your spells, yes?"

"Yes, that's true."

"Another sorcerer or witch must've made it." He shrugged.

"Don't be ridiculous." Loki scoffed. "If it was someone threatening me, Heimdall would have alerted any one of you."

"You're right."

Thor turned around to tell Loki that the doll was gone but stopped dead at his tracks when he saw the writing on the wall.

D.E.A.T.H
M.U.R.D.E.R.

The ink messily trickled down the wall, creating the illusion of the walls crying with dark ink.

"Loki, did you do this?" Thor asked a stupid question.

"Do what?" Loki walked forward to stare at the wall by the door. "I— I didn't— that wasn't there before."

"There's no one else with access to your room."

"Someone must've snuck in and did this, that's the only explanation." Loki panted silently. "And I left the doll on my bed with my dagger."

Thor looked at Loki with concern.

"Which dagger are we talking about?"

"The dagger you gave me years ago, engraved with a snake." Loki asked. "Why?"

"It's still with you." Thor pointed. "I felt it when you embraced me."

Loki reached out to the side of his waist where he usually hid his dagger and found that it was indeed with him, but how was that possible? He had left the doll there and he doesn't remember grabbing the dagger on his way out. Loki looked at Thor with pleading eyes.

"Thor—"

"I am not accusing you." Thor stated. "The doll isn't here, but the trunk is."

"I don't like this, brother." Loki's lips quivered. "I did not do this, I swear."

"I am not accusing you." He repeated.

"But—"

"It's fine." Thor knelt down to touch the trunk, tracing his finger over the etched symbols. "This is strange. I cannot make out these markings."

"I am not worried about the casing, or the writings on it." Loki frantically looked around his room. "I am worried about who took the doll."

"What does it look like exactly?" Thor chuckled. "Besides being a child, you never really elaborated much on it."

"It's not funny." Loki felt his breath hitch in panic.

"Calm down, brother." Thor stood up. "Do not panic. I know you how you are when you panic and lately we've been past that. You do not want to go back there again. We will call for help, do you understand?"

"Not yet."

"Loki—"

"We need to find the doll or whoever took it."

"Alright, but if it is not in your room, I will go to the guards immediately." Thor said. "Is that clear?"

"Agreed."

Loki looked around the bathroom, through his desks, trunks, closets and even under the bed. He found nothing. Thor on the other hand, scouted pretty much everywhere Loki had gone through, double checking if Loki might have missed it in his distress.

With luck, Thor saw a pair of molten like feet at the edge of Loki's bed. It was stuck between the dresser and the headboard, near the curtains. Thor lowered himself to check it. When Loki saw this, he grunted in frustration and slid down to sit by the door.

"It is useless Thor, I already checked there."

"I do not think you have."

Loki's eyes widened when Thor picked it up by its toes in disgust. The doll hanged limp upside-down from Thor's fingers. The doll was smiling crookedly through its sharp bloody teeth and stared at him with those orb-like eyes. Loki felt his breathing labored again, and felt the same ghostly chill he felt in his dreams.

"That's not possible." Loki quivered. "I checked—"

"You must have overlooked it."

"No!"

"Loki—"

"You know how I am with my things and how I work to find missing objects!" Loki shouted. "I do not simply overlook it, brother!"

"Calm down, Loki."

"I won't! It's not— not possible."

"Loki, it's fine." Thor said. "I could go to Father and have this checked."

"Someone is out to get me."

"Loki, you cannot—"

"How do you explain this then?" Loki shouted. "I didn't write that on my wall!"

"Loki, calm down."

"I—it's not p—possible!" Loki panted. "Some—one must've got— g—gotten inside m—my room."

Drowning.

He was drowning.

Thor hastily dropped the doll back in the trunk and shut it tight, locking it with the key and throwing the key on the bed. Loki was near tears as he felt the same drowning experience come back to life.

"They—they're out—out to get me." He continued to pant.

"Shh… it's alright."

Loki hadn't realized that Thor was already embracing him and rubbing his back to bring him back to comfort, but Loki just couldn't escape it.

Loki's eyes just continued to stare at the trunk, mesmerized and at the same time, fearing it. There was something about that object that brought back memories of his torture to him, and at the same time, something far too familiar.

And Loki could have sworn the trunk moved.

oOo

TBC…

Please review and tell me what you think, it powers me to update faster! XD