A GODS WEAKNESS [l.laufeyson]

TWENTY SIX

     "It hurts, doesn't it? Being lied to. Being told you're one thing and then learning it's all a fiction." Thor picks up some stones that have fallen from Korg's leg and casually starts throwing them through Loki's illusion.

"You didn't think I'd really come and see you, did you? This place is disgusting." Thor throws another stone through Loki. "Does this mean you don't want my help?" And another. "Look, I couldn't jeopardize my position with Grandmaster, it took me time to win his trust. He's a lunatic, but he can be amenable." Thor throws another stone through Loki. Disinterested.

"What I'm telling you is, you could join Astrid and I at the Grandmaster's side. Perhaps, in time, an accident befalls the Grandmaster, and then..." Loki gestures. "We take over." Thor only throws another stone through Loki. Bored.

"You're not seriously thinking of going back, are you? Our sister destroyed your hammer like a piece of glass. She's stronger than all of us. She's stronger than you. You don't stand a chance. Do you understand what I'm saying to you?" Thor just scowls.

"Fine. I guess I'll just have to go at it alone. Like I've always done." Thor smirks. "Would you say something?" Now out of stones, Thor looks around the floor for more.

"Say something!" Thor finally looks right at Loki.

"What would you like me to say? You faked your own death, you stole the throne, stripped Odin of his power, stranded him on Earth... to die, releasing the Goddess of Death..." Loki suddenly goes quiet. "Have I said enough, or do you do you want me to go further back than the past two days?" Thor stares coldly at him. Loki tries to compose himself remembering the conversation he's just had with Astrid.

"Does Astrid know of this plan of yours to stay here? You know Asgard is her home too. Or can I even still trust her? I mean, she lied to me all this time as well." Loki's eyes burned at Thor.

"You know, I haven't seen this Beloved Champion he talks of, but I've heard he's astonishingly savage. I've placed a large wager against you tomorrow. Don't let me down." Loki shimmers and his illusion vanishes. Korg runs in to try to kick him.

"Piss off, ghost!"

~

Loki enters his room again to see Astrid still in there, she has changed into some clothes more suitable for Sakaar, ready to watch the tournament.

"Ah Loki, you're back! Listen, Thor is soon to go up against the Grandmasters champion..."

"Astrid."

"This is our chance to get him out of there while everyone is gathering at the stadium and return home to Asgard to take Hela down once and for all."

"Astrid!"

"What?" Astrid stops rushing around to pay attention to Loki.

"I don't think we should go back." Astrid was shocked to hear this.

"W-what? Asgard is your home... our home. Our friends are there, we can't just hand it over to her." Loki sees that Astrid is stressing out again so places his hands on her shoulders.

"We can start a life here together, with our child. Besides you are in no condition to fight, you told me yourself your powers aren't working. If we return to Asgard I fear she could kill you." He places a hand on her stomach. "Both of you." Astrid steps away pushing his hand off her.

"Loki, look around you. Do you really think this is a suitable place for us to raise our child? In Asgard we can get the help we need, we have Eir there. There will be children there for our child to grow up with. Tell me the truth, have you seen a single child here on Sakaar since arriving."