Beyla ~ (Loki)

28.

The elevator doors open. Thor supports Loki's weight with Loki faking a fatal injury. Thor cries loudly, "Get help! Please! My brother, he's dying!" A small group of Sakaarian guards turns toward Thor and Loki. One guard aims his gun at them. "Get help! Help him!" Thor picked up Loki and flings him at the guards, knocking them down like bowling pins. Loki stands up and Thor steps to Loki's side laughing. "I still hate it. It's humiliating." Thor shrugs, "Not for me, it's not. Which one's the ship she told us to get?" Loki points to the specific ship.

The Commodore starship. Brand new, solidly built, sleek. As they walk towards its duplicate Loki forms and legs behind. The Loki walking with Thor is an illusion. "Though I feel it won't make much of a difference..."

The real Loki slinks away towards the security system panel. He activates the panel and brings up a screen that will set off all the alarms palace-wide!

Thor starts, "Oh, Loki." Loki turns to see Thor looking not at all surprised.

Loki smiles, "I know I've betrayed you many times before, but this time it's truly nothing personal. The reward for your capture will set me up nicely. Beyla and I... we're settling." He triggers the alarm.

Thor nods with a hidden smile, "Never one for sentiment, were you?"

"Easier to let it burn." It is then Loki notices Thor holding up a fob device. Loki realizes that Thor affixed an Obedience Disk on him in that special heart-to-heart moment.

"I agree." Thor zaps Loki and holds down the button. Loki hits the ground, withering in pain. Thor approaches and looks down at his brother. "Oh brother, you're becoming predictable. I trust you, you betray me. Round and round in circles we go." Thor continues to think for a beat while Loki

convulses in agony on the floor. Finally, Thor kneels beside Loki, "See, Loki, life is about, it's about growth. It's about change. But you seem to just wanna stay the same. I guess what I'm trying to say is that you'll always be the God of Mischief, but you could be more. I'll just put this over here for you."

Thor places the fob on top of the security panel, so close but so far from Loki's paralyzed reach. "Anyway, I got places to be so good luck."

~

"Alright gents! Through this door and we should have our way out! I yell leading the Gladiators into the garage. Korg and Miek follow behind me and them a group of gladiator rebels. I walk further into the garage and see two legs shaking on the floor. "Loki!" I gasp seeing him seizing on the floor. Korg grabs the fob on the panel and turns off the shock. Loki gasps hitting the ground. He grins up at Korg. Loki stands straightening his clothes, "Thank you." Korg smiles, "Hey man, we're about to jump on that ginormous spaceship. You wanna come?" I look down at our feet speaking, "No, we're going-" "Actually, you do seem like you're in desperate need of leadership. Let's tag along, Beyla." I stare at him in surprise. "Really?" Loki nods, "This isn't home. I'll die before I allow us to be in such danger. We will start our family in a house. In our own special homemade special for us."

~

I watch as Loki adjusts his horns getting ready for his appearance as a hero. "You look handsome." I smile sharpening my staff on both ends. Loki materializes my crown and places it on my head. "I always liked when you wore it into battle." I straighten it and stand at his side. "Are you ready?" I tap my staff on the ground signaling to release the opening. "With you by my side? I'm always ready."

We emerge from the thick low hanging fog. The citizens of Asgard cheer on the bridge as they notice Loki. Resplendent in horns, arms spread wide, seeming to float towards the bridge like a mythical angel of mercy.