Fated Marks

The morning following the funeral was quiet. The sky was cloudy and gloomy. Thor was lost in thought. He didn’t even bother trying to sneak out when Astrid showed up. He just asked her to give us some privacy and she scurried away.

“What’s on your mind?” I asked him.

“Nothing love just thinking.” Thor said kissing the top of my head before sitting up. “I must speak with my father and prepare in case Malekith returns.”

“I’ll just be here.” I said.

“Don’t worry, everything will work itself out.” Thor said kissing me before calling mjolnir to him and walking out. Astrid came in shortly and helped me get dressed again. This time it was a blue dress with some armored embellishments. I kept my hair down and kept on the heart monitor bracelet Tony gave me for our anniversary or as I now dubbed it, strip-o-versary, the earrings Natasha had given me for Valentine’s Day and the ring Thor had given me.

Astrid brought me some breakfast but I didn’t really have much of an appetite and just felt drained.

I sat down and ran my fingers up and down my forearm watching as the slight red glow appeared. Suddenly everything started getting redder and redder. The sun was dimming and I could see the red mist slowly spreading through the city making everything dark. This couldn’t happen, it had to be stop. Suddenly everything turned back to normal and I felt really dizzy. I felt something wet fall on my hand and saw it was blood. It was a nosebleed. Guess my body was starting to feel the effects.

“Hayley Adams.” Someone said as they came barging in. I turned around and saw some of the guards fully suited. “You need to come with us. The Allfather commands it.”

“Uh yeah.’ I said wiping my nose before following them. There were more guards outside and they surrounded me before marching down the corridor.

“Hayley?” I heard Thor say.

“Thor.” I said stopping but the guards surrounding me didn’t move.

“Where are you taking her?” Thor demanded.

“She is being taken to her quarters where she will remain until the Allfather commands otherwise.” The guard captain said.

Guess Odin was taking my word for it. I was now a prisoner. Not exactly what I thought he’d go for but I guess it’s better than dying. The Aether was already doing that for him.

I followed the guards to my room where I was locked in with guards outside. At least someone had been considerate enough to leave some books.

Third Person’s POV-

Thor marched through the palace hallways until he finally got to the war room. He didn’t wait to be announced he pushed the doors open and marched to his father.

“She's your prisoner now?” Thor asked.

Odin turned to everyone else. “Leave us.” He commanded them. “I do not wish to fight with you.”

“Nor I with you, but I intend to pursue Malekith.” Thor answered.

“We possess the Aether, Malekith will come to us.” Odin said calmly.

“Yes, and you will destroy us.” Thor said.

“You overestimate the power of these creatures.” Odin said standing his ground.

“No, I value our peoples lives.” Thor corrected. “I'll take Hayley to the Dark World and draw the enemy away from Asgard. When Malekith pulls the Aether from her it will be exposed vulnerable, and I will destroy it and him.”

“If you fail, you risk this weapon falling into the hands of our enemies.” Odin argued.

“The risk is far greater if we do nothing. His ship could be over our heads right now and we'd never even know it.” Thor retorted.

“If and when he comes, his men will fall by ten thousand Asgardian blades.” Odin shouted.

“And how of our men shall fall on theirs?” Thor asked.

“As many as are needed!” Odin yelled abruptly. “We will fight! Until the last Asgardian breath, the last drop of Asgardian blood.”

“And how are you different from Malekith?” Thor retorted.

“The difference, my son, is that I will win.” Odin answered confidently.

“I’m sure Malekith feels the same.” Thor said before leaving. Odin’s plan revolved around using Hayley as bait. Not only that but Odin was so shaken by Frigga’s death he didn’t see past the next battle.

Thor made his way to the room where Hayley was being held. The guards blocked his entrance.

“Let me though or I’ll go through you.” Thor said. The guards hesitated before letting him through.

Thor walked in and Hayley was sleeping in bed. She was in a fitful sleep and he could tell from the bags under her eyes the Aether was taking its toll on her. Thor sat on the edge of the bed and gently brushed a few strands off her face.

He sat there quietly just watching her thinking on his next move. He thought back to the war room and realized someone was missing. He kissed Hayley’s forehead before heading out.

He left the palace and made his way to one of the taverns close by. He sat down and waited until finally Heimdall walked in.

“You're not in Odin's war council?” Thor asked.

“The Bifrost is closed by your father's orders. No one is to come or to go.” Heimdall answered taking off his helmet and placing it on the table. “We face an enemy that is invisible even to me. Of what use is a guardian such as that?”

“Malekith will return, you know this. I'll need your help.” Thor said.

“I cannot overrule my King's wishes, not even for you.” He answered

“I'm not asking you to. The Realms need their All-Father strong and unchallenged, whether he is or not. But he is blinded, Heimdall, by hatred and by grief.” Thor said trying to convince him.

“As are we all.” Heimdall answered.

“Well I see clearly enough.” Thor said.

“The risks are too great.” Heimdall said.

“Everything that we do from here on is a risk, there is no other way.” Thor said knowing he was getting through to him.

“What do you require of me?” Heimdall asked.

Later that night Thor gathered his friends and they made plans for the next day. Everyone knew their jobs and prepared themselves.

Hayley’s POV-

I finished reading all the books they had left for me and was bored out of my mind. I could feel the Aether getting stronger. I started seeing flashes of red when I least expected it.

It was around lunch time when the doors opened and one of the guards came in probably about to ask if I was hungry.

“I'm not hungry.” I said and suddenly Sif came up behind him and knocked him out. I stared with my jaw dropped.

“Good, let's go.” Sif said.

“Don’t have to tell me twice.” I said grabbing my jacket and following after her. “Did they figure a way to get it out of me?”

“In a way.” Sif answered.

“Meaning?” I asked.

“Thor will explain everything.” Sif said stopping me when one of the guard squads passed by before leading me to a hidden passage. We ended up in another corridor where Thor was waiting with someone else.

“You're...?” I said recognizing Loki immediately.

“Loki. You may have...” He started boasting and I went to slap him but suddenly the aether spiked out of my hand and sent him flying into a column.

“That was for Clint, asshole.” I said.

Loki smiled and looked at Thor as he stood up. “I like her.” He said as the rest of Thor’s friends showed up right before a group of guards showed up.

“I'll hold them off. Take her.” Sif said.

“Thank you.” Thor said putting his arm around me and leading me away. Loki tried to follow us but Sif stopped him and put her sword under his throat.

“Betray him and I'll kill you.” Sif said.

“It's good to see you too, Sif.” Loki said before following after us. We went down some stairs until he stopped by one of the invader’s ships.

“I will give you as much time as I can.” Volstagg answered.

“Thank you, my friend.” Thor said taking his hand for a firm hand shake. I smiled and nodded my thanks before following after Thor inside the ship. Volstagg also stopped Loki and threatened him.

“If you even think about betraying him...” Volstagg started.

“You'll kill me? Evidently there will be a line.” Loki retorted.

We got inside and it was dark. Thor started tapping and pressing anything he saw trying to get the ship to turn on.

“I thought you said you knew how to fly this thing.” Loki asked.

“I said how hard could it be.” Thor retorted.

“Well, whatever you're doing, brother, I suggest you do it faster.” Loki said looking outside where the guards were approaching.

“Shut up, Loki.” Thor growled as he started to panic.

“You must have missed something.” Loki said.

“I didn't, I'm pressing every button on this thing.” Thor yelled back.

“No, don't hit it, just press it gently.” Loki said gently putting a finger on the controls.

“That’s it.” I said coming closer.

“I am pressing it gently. It's not working!” Thor shouted as I kicked the control panels and they started working.

“Just needed a little kickstart.” I said with a shrug.

“Yes, thank you.” Thor said giving me a smile I returned before the ship flew off. Thor was not the best pilot. I’m fairly sure the collateral damage would not bode well with Odin. The ship shook as Thor started flying the ship through some columns.

“I think you missed a column.” Loki said sarcastically.

“Shut up!” Thor shouted and I felt the Aether start surging again. I tried breathing through it trying to stop it and started getting dizzy.

“Look, why don't you let me take over, I'm clearly the best pilot.” Loki said.

“Is that right? Well, out of the two of us which one can actually fly? Thor retorted and suddenly everything started spinning and I fell down.

“Oh, dear. Is she dead?” I heard Loki say and my head was pounding.

“Hayley.” Thor said leaning over to look at me.

“I’m okay. This isn’t as fun as they made it look in Star Wars.” I answered. As there was a suddenly whooshing sound and something passed us by. “Yeah I’m just going to stay down here until everything stops spinning.”

“Not a word.” Thor said as the ships opened fire on us.

“Now they're following us.” Loki said until one hit us. “Now they're firing at us!”

“Yes, thank you for the commentary, Loki! It's not at all distracting!” Thor shouted before we hit something again.

“Well done, you just decapitated your grandfather.” Loki deadpanned. “You know this is wonderful. This is a tremendous idea. Let's steal the biggest most obvious ship in the universe and escape, flying around the city, smashing into everything in sight so everyone can see us. It's brilliant, Thor! It's truly brilliant!” Then it suddenly got quiet.

Thor came over to me and picked me up.

“Hold on Hayley.” Thor said before jumping out of the ship and landing on another one.

“I see your time in the dungeons has made you no less graceful, Loki.” Some one else said and I was too tired to even look. Thor put me down and I just rested my eyes for a bit. Probably not the best time for a nap but I didn’t have the energy to get up.

It wasn’t until I heard yelling that I woke up.

“Loki!” Thor shouted

“If it were easy everyone would do it.” Loki retorted.

“Are you mad?” thor yelled.

“Possibly.” Loki said nonchalantly. Thor came over to hold me and I hugged him back. “Ta-da!” Loki said and then I knocked out again.

I think I was dreaming because the next thing I knew everything went dark again and the energy moved out of me and the red mist surrounded me.

“You have the strongest and most powerful energy in the universe we can destroy anyone that stands in your way and we can rule.” Someone said.

“Who the hell are you?” I said.

“Not a who…a what.” It said.

“The Aether.” I said.

“Come on Hayley you know you want to… I can end your brother where he stands and then everyone you love will be safe.”

“Would they? How long before you do what you want and take over the world? They wouldn’t let you and then you’d go after them too. If you really want to do me a favor get the hell out of me.” I said.

“Insolent mortal, it’s of no matter to me, you’ll be dead soon enough.” It said before it blasted into me.

I started waking up but Thor put a blanket over me and I got comfy.

“What I could do with the power that flows through those veins.” Loki said. What an ass.

“It would consume you.” Thor said.

“She's holding up alright, for now.” Loki answered.

“She's strong in ways you'd never even know.” Thor answered.

“Say goodbye.” Loki said.

“Not this day.” Thor answered.

“This day, the next, a hundred years or a couple more if you’ve bonded, is nothing. It's a heart beat. You'll never be ready. The only woman whose love you prized will be snatched from you.” Loki said and I could feel how much that hurt Thor. Hell it hurt me.

“And will that satisfy you?” Thor asked.

“Satisfaction is not in my nature.” Loki said.

“Surrender is not in mine.” Thor said.

“The son of Odin.” Loki said.

“No, not just of Odin! You think you alone who loved mother? You had her tricks, but I had her trust!” Thor growled out. I think Loki struck a nerve.

“Trust. Was that her last expression? Trust? When you let her die!” Loki spat.

“What help were you in your cell?” Thor retorted.

“Who put me there? Who put me there?!” Loki yelled.

“You know damn well! You know damn well!” Thor said and I could feel how angry he was, he was ready to hit him but suddenly he stopped being angry. “She wouldn't want us to fight.”

“Well, she wouldn't exactly be shocked.” Loki said fondly.

“I wish I could trust you.” Thor said.

“Trust my rage.” Loki retorted.

I could feel the Aether surging again but this time it didn’t appear in front of me, it pushed me out. It was like a really creepy out of body experience. I saw myself move and talk but I wasn’t the one doing anything. I stood up and walked to the edge of the ship.

“Hayley?” Thor asked.

“Malekith.” The Aether said.

“Let me out.” I said. “I’m not dead yet.” Suddenly I was back in my body.

“Ready?” Thor asked.

“I am.” Loki said and I looked around realizing we weren’t on the ship anymore. “You know this plan of yours is going to get us killed.”

“Yeah, possibly.” Thor said.

“Well I’m dying anyway.” I said.

“Nothing will happen to you.” Thor said.

“You still don't trust me, brother?” Loki said waving his cuffs up.

“Would you?” Thor said taking off his cuffs.

“No, I wouldn't.” Loki said as he stabbed Thor.

“Thor! No!” I shouted as Loki sent him rolling down the hill. “You really think I cared about Frigga, about anybody?” Loki said kicking thor. “All I ever wanted was you and Odin dead at my feet!” Thor raised his hand and Loki cut it off.

“No!!” I shouted running to Thor but Loki grabbed me.

“Malekith, I am Loki of Jotunheim and I bring you a gift!” Loki said before throwing me towards Malekith. “I ask only one thing in return, a good seat from which to watch Asgard burn.”

The talked amongst themselves before Malekith started walking towards Thor.

“Look at me.” Malekith said and suddenly I started floating up in the air. I felt something tug at me and then the red mist started flowing out of me. When it was finally out he dropped me to the ground.

Everything went dark and then it got bright again. I could see the sun slowly start to darken and the darkness spread.

“What is that?” I asked.

“That’s me, that’s what Malekith and I are going to do once we’re done here. Your world won’t stand a chance.” The aether said and then it was gone.

“Loki, now!” Thor shouted and suddenly Thor had his arm back and called Mjolnir to him and Loki tackled me back to the ground.

“Get off of me.” I growled.

“Didn’t think you wanted to get struck by lightening.” Loki said before moving off of me. The dark elves started attacking us. Some of them went after Thor and the rest of them came after Loki completely ignoring me. It wasn’t until one of them threw a grenade that I was even involved. Loki pushed me out of the way and as he was getting sucked into the vortex Thor flew over to save him. One of the big ones attacked thor and started beating him pretty badly. Loki ran over to him and stabbed him before the giant grabbed Loki and impaled him against him.

“No!” Thor shouted.

“See you in hell, monster!” Loki said before the giant imploded and was sucked away.

“No, no! Fool, you didn't listen!” Thor said holding his hand over Loki’s wound.

“I know, I'm a fool. I'm a fool!” Loki agreed squirming in pain.

“Stay with me. Stay!” thor begged.

“I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry...” Loki apologized.

“Ssh.” Thor said sadly knowing what was about to happen and giving his brother the peace he needed to let go. “It's alright. I'll tell father what you did here today.”

“I didn't do it for him.” Loki said before closing his eyes and letting out his final breath. His skin turned blue and then he was gone.

“No!” Thor cried out in anguish. I moved closer to him and held him as he cried out.

We stayed like that for a while before the wind started picking up and a sandstorm started up. We walked over to where Thor had punched the giant to and found a cave to wait out the storm until we could figure something out.

“He's gonna unleash it, not just on Asgard or on a star, Malekith is gonna destroy everything.” I said.

“How? Hayley, how?” He asked.

“The Aether showed me something, I think it was a warning. I saw the sun turn black and it started spreading out. It said my world wouldn’t stand a chance.” I said.

“The Convergence.” Thor said.

“You said the nine realms orbit earth so when the convergence is at it’s highest point…” I said.

“There won’t be a realm he can’t reach.” Thor said.

“None of this would have happened if I hadn't found the Aether.” I said.

“Then Malekith would have only possessed it that much sooner.” Thor said.

“Your mom and brother would still be alive if I hadn’t.” I said.

“Their blood is not on you hands, it’s on malekith’s and he will pay.” Thor said resting a hand on my cheek.

“But we're trapped here and I don’t think Heimdall’s going to be able to help considering that jailbreak he helped you pull off.” I said as I started hearing ACDC’s back in black. “Do you hear that?”

“It's not me.” Thor said.

I reached into my jacket pocket and pulled out my phone. It was cracked but still working apparently and with full bars.

“Hello?” I answered confused.

“Hayley!” Tony said sounding relieved.

“Tony! You have no idea how good it is to hear your voice right now.” I said and Thor came closer.

“Where the hell have you been?! Your bracelet went offline days ago and it just started working again and you haven’t been answering.” He started rambling.

“How is this possible?” I said as I started following the signal. I almost tripped over a kid’s shoe and I realized where I was.

“What is going on?” Tony said.

“It’s kind of a long story let’s just say I ended up on a desert wasteland dimension and then Thor came over and I’m with him now.” I said taking Thor’s hand and walking though a portal to the warehouse in London.

“Thor’s back?” Tony said.

“Thor talk to Tony.” I said handing him the phone.

“Man of iron it is good to hear from you.” Thor said as I led him to the car which was surprisingly still in good shape.

“No she’s no longer dying.” Thor said and I gave him a look.

“What?!” I could here Tony yell before rambling and I think putting on his Iron Man suit.

“Hey babe we go to go I’ll call you later love you bye.” I said really quick before hanging up. “Why would you just drop that on him?!”

“I was being honest.” Thor said.

“We’re going to have a conversation about timing and easing someone into news like that.” I said turning on the car.

“Where are we going?” Thor asked.

“To see your ex.” I said.