The Evil Within

Chapter 2

Layla enters the small building before Steve, and upon seeing Thor in the dark space, already knows that something bad has happened.  As she takes a step forward, she holds her hand out to stop Steve coming further in, knowing this is something she needs to do herself.  Steve takes a step backwards and turns on his heel, making his way back to the car to wait for his friend-he knows she can get through to most people, and he needs to let her do this on her own.

Layla moves further into the room slowly, making a small noise to let Thor know she is behind him.  He doesn't make any movements, so she clears her throat before speaking properly.

"Thor?!"  She says as loud as her shaky voice will allow.

Thor turns and glances her way.  "Hey 'L'."  He says sadly.

"You OK?  What's happening?!"  Layla asks gently.

Thor walks slowly over to a seat at the side of the room.  "Lord....where to begin."  He starts.  "You know I have my Brother, yes?" 

Layla nods.  "Loki, yeah?"

Just the mention of his Brother's name catches Thors breath, stopping him immediately replying.  Once he has taken a moment, he speaks.

"He has seemingly gotten himself into trouble Layla.  He's not.....himself right now.  And the attacks.....those ones we've seen here on Earth recently....."  His voice trails off as he battles with his emotions once more.

Layla decides to help him out.  "They were his doing?"  She asks.

Thor drops his head, and he looks at the floor before replying. "Unfortunately yes."  He replies.

"OK...."  Layla breathes.  "What do you need Thor?"

"I can't ask...."  Thor says shaking his head.

"You're not asking Thumbalina, I'm offering!"  Layla says, using the nickname she gave her friend a long time ago, to break the seriousness they've found themselves discussing.

Thor laughs genuinely, smiling up at Layla.  "Still calling me that Lay?"  He says.  "It's not that simple though.  Loki is dangerous.  Not like anything we know or have dealt with before.  I can't have you, or any of the team putting themselves in danger and possibly getting hurt for me."  
He shakes his head a little.  "And Tony...."  He continues.  "He won't go for it-he certainly won't allow you to help."

Layla guffaws.  The whole team know of her issue with Tony and his opinion on her joining them all on missions.  She nods at Thor.

"Loki is unhinged Layla."  Thor continues.  "His mind is not his own-it is now a weapon.  It's just too much of a risk."

"Huh!"  Layla says, raising her eyebrows at her friend.  "You calling me weak God of Thunder?!"

"Haha!"  Thor laughs.  "Yes little one.  But not in the way you're saying it.  Against Loki, we are all weak."

"Then we go in as a team-c'mon Thor!"  Layla replies enthusiastically.

Thor shakes his head.  "Layla...I cannot go to that room and ask any of my friends-our team, to do this for me."

"Then I will!"  Layla replies.  "I'll ask them for you!"

Thor sits straighter and looks Layla in the eyes.  "You would ask them for help.....for me?!" he asks.

"I'd do anything to help you Thor-you should know that by now!"

Thor swallows as his throat becomes thick with emotion.  

"I don't know what to say."  He says earnestly.  "I am forever indebted to you my dear.  I....I don't know what else to say.  Thank you."

"Don't mention it.  I'll be back soon Thor."  Layla says, patting Thor on the arm as she walks away with purpose.