Child Of Ice

Chapter 23

On Jotunheim, as the group rode the svadilfari through the snow, they spotted the mountain several miles away. They'd been riding for the past few hours and were relieved they didn't have to travel that far.

"His presence is getting stronger," Loki stated. "That's good," Freya replied. Laufey rode next to Loki and asked, "Are you nervous?"

"A little. I mean, it's not every day you meet a being so powerful and ancient."

"True," Laufey replied. They talked the next few hours. By the time they got to the base of the mountain, the sun was setting. They hopped off their svadilfari, and Loki breathed, "He's here."

"Your majesty, there's an opening in there." The guard pointed to the opening. It was big enough for Loki to fit through, but it was too small for the others.

"It's looks like you're going to have to do this part on your own," Laufey stated. "We'll be here," Freya added. Loki nodded and turned to the opening. He sucked in a deep breath and cautiously went in.

It was dark in there, especially when he could no longer see the entrance. However, he eventually saw a soft blue light up ahead. Loki walked toward it and ended up in a chamber made of ice that was so reflective that it was almost like mirrors.

The ceiling was high, and the walls were very tall. Loki looked at himself and saw that he was in his Jotun form. It was funny. A few weeks ago, he would've horrified and ashamed. Now that he'd spent time with his biological family and people, he found that his Jotun form wasn't so bad.

Then he realized that it was colder in the mountain, which made sense. Perhaps he unconsciously switched to his Jotun form to be more comfortable. Loki then looked and saw another tunnel that was on the other side of the chamber. It was filled with blue light.

He walked to the tunnel and walked through the tunnel, feeling that Ymir was very close now. Then he came across a deep casm, and across from the casm was the other part of the tunnel.

Loki's hand glowed a soft green as he snapped his fingers. A beautiful icy bridge formed and stretched across the casm. Loki walked across and into the other part of the tunnel. The light was getting brighter, and Ymir's presence was stronger than before.

Then he entered a very familiar chamber. It was narrow with walls so tall, it was impossible to see the top. To his left was a wall of frosty ice that was just as tall. Ymir was behind that wall. Loki swallowed hard, now unsure what to do.

After standing there for a moment, Loki got an idea. He walked up to the wall and placed a hand on the wall. He closed his eyes as his hand glowed green. He sent a pulse of magic through the ice. Magic responded to it, and he opened his eyes in time to see glowing blue eyes high up in the ice.

Loki backed up and watched the wall turn into water and fall, drenching Loki. He looked up at white Jotun ten times as tall as a normal Jotun man with glowing blue eyes. "Ymir..."

Ymir smiled fondly at him. "So, you and I finally meet."

"Ymir.... I..." Ymir chuckled. "Loss for words?" Loki nodded, feeling embarrassed. Ymir kneeled, though he still very much made Loki feel tiny. "I must say, I'm impressed. You're very powerful for one so young. I do, however, sense a great deal of pain in you."

Loki looked away. Ymir, sensing his discomfort, changed the subject. "There is a serious threat coming." Loki looked up with worry. "Loki, the Dark Elves are going to Asgard."

"The Dark Elves? I thought they were a myth."

"There are a lots of things in this universe that are either seen as myth or are completely forgotten. The Dark Elves will arrive in Asgard soon. They are going to get Thor, but he will need help. He'll need you."

"What?"

"You are far more powerful than you believe. You are destined for so much more."

"What do you mean?" Ymir smirked. "You'll see. Now, let's get out of this mountain. I've been in this mountain for too long."

Outside the mountain, Freya, Laufey, and the guards watched in awe and confusion as the mountain split in half. The two halves shifted apart, revealing Ymir with Loki standing on his shoulder. Ymir then stepped away from the mountain and held his hand out to Loki. Loki stepped onto his hand, and he lowered Loki to the ground.

Loki hopped off his hand as Laufey and Freya rushed over to Loki. "Loki!" they exclaimed. Loki and Ymir smiled as the two looked over him to see if he's hurt. Once they saw he was okay, Laufey and Freya turned to Ymir. "Hello, you two," Ymir greeted them.

"Hello," Freya replied. Then Loki said, "Guys, I must return to Asgard."

"Wait, what? Why?" Laufey asked. "Ymir informed me that the Dark Elves are real and are targeting Asgard. I need to return and help protect it."

Freya and Laufey exchanged glances, and Laufey sighed. "Alright. As much as it pains me, I will let you return to Asgard. After all, it is your home, too. Just do me a favor, and be careful."

"I shall, Father." Laufey's eyes widened in shock, and Freya squealed with joy. Loki smiled, and Laufey smiled back. Despite the looming threat, they truly felt like a real family.