Frostbitten

Quiet Nights

As the group of three huddled out of the ice fortress that had contained them, their guards were on more than ever. Loki soon took the lead, concealing them whenever necessary. Although, each time he used his powers, Loki's energy would drain considerably, Sif and Thor both knew they had to get to safety and fast. 

Finally, after what seemed like hours, smoke could be seen from a distance. This could mean only one thing; they would return to their friends once again. But, Sif still questioned where they would go next. They couldn't stay here, nor could they go home. They were utterly alone.

Nearing the huge crevice that had opened up upon Sif and Thor's departure, the God of thunder himself took hold of his brother and his friend, then sprung up into the air, launching them in flight. Angling her head towards the crack, Sif wondered how far down the hole went. All that was visible to her eyes were a never ending darkness surrounded by thick walls of ice. 

They touched back down to the ground, alerting the attention of Fandral who looked to be the only one awake. The Asgardian grinned at their presence and jumped up to greet them. He gave a quick hug to Sif, as well as a friendly kiss to the cheek, then a pat to Thor's shoulder. Fandral simply nodded questionably at Loki, then led them all back to his makeshift camp. 

Volstagg and Hogun lay by the fire, both draped in warm strips of cloth. "So, give me an idea of what exactly happened. I was beginning to think you hadn't made it." said Fandral once the newcomers sat down beside him near the fire's warmth. As Thor explained, Sif continuously spotted Loki shooting her looks. Though whenever she'd snap her head back and face him, he'd turn around and pretend nothing had happened.

When Thor finished his story, Sif offered to keep watch as the others slept. While Fandral attempted to argue with her, she fired back at him, leaving him no choice but to comply with the Asgardian woman. At that moment, Sif was more than glad of her time spent with Loki and his silver tongue. 

The fire licked its way high up into the night, casting long shadows across the ground below. All but one member of the party seemed awake and on guard and that was Sif. She sat staring into the embers of the fire in front of her,attempting to process all that had happened in the past few days. 

An icy hand collided with Sif's shoulder, breaking her away from her trance. Her hand shot to her sword as she swung it back behind her. As Sif turned, she frowned, as Loki was now standing with his arms held up defensively in front of her. Sif narrowed her eyes and without lowering her weapon inquired, "What are you doing awake?" 

Loki chuckled, "I'm starting to think you like threatening me with this sword of yours."

"And I'm starting to think you want to get your head cut off," Sif responded without even blinking. 

The mischief maker simply smiled down at the sword and placed his hand atop it. "Then do it," he sighed, not moving his gaze from the blade.

Sif pressed the weapon closer to his body, her mind content on killing him here and now. But, Sif knew she couldn't do it, she never would be able to. So rather than thrusting the sword into his neck, Sif lowered it and placed it back into its sheathe. 

Loki finally looked up at her. "That's what I thought," he said softly. 

"You never answered my question." Sif stated, displaying no emotion. "What are you doing awake?"

Loki walked over to where Sif previously sat and lowered himself to ground beside it, then sat down himself. He turned back to her and patted  the space beside him. "Couldn't sleep." he said simply. 

A frown still present on her lips, Sif did as he suggested and sat herself down beside Loki. The two sat in silence, doing nothing more than gazing into the flames, until finally Loki spoke up, "Why did you come back for me?"

Sif had to think about her answer for a long while. "Because... you are my friend, Loki. No matter what you've done, I will always do my best to protect you."

Loki turned to look at her,"You don't mean that."

The warrioress beside him shrugged, "Believe what you want. But, I still stick to what I said." As Loki tried to take in what she had said, Sif yawned. "I do think it is your turn to take watch," Sif then stood and went to sleep alongside the others. 

"Thor, where in the Nine Realms do you think you're taking us?" Sif demanded, when her friend awoke and suggested they leave. She too thought they shouldn't stay, but where had they to go? 

He turned to face Sif, "The only place I know where we will be safe."

Sif scanned the faces of the rest of the group, wondering if they had any idea of what Thor meant. When she received no indication that anyone knew, Sif groaned and crossed her arms. "Um... care to elaborate?"

"Midgard." 

Sif's eyes widened, "You're insane." She turned back to look at the others once again. "Do none of you find this crazy. You all know we'll stick out like a sore thumb. As well as, I doubt they'll be too happy to be faced with a group of alien warriors asking for help. Oh right, and your smart ass of a brother over here attacked their planet not long ago!" Sif was sure Thor had lost it.

Thor put a hand on her shoulder, "I have friends who I'm sure will keep us concealed." He turned to Loki, "And if you pose as I problem, I will willingly hand you over to S.H.I.E.L.D., myself." Loki and Sif both frowned, but said nothing.

"Now, are we going or not?" Thor questioned. The Warrior's Three nodded and Thor raised his head to the sky. "Heimdall take us home!" he shouted. For a moment, nothing happened. Then a rainbow of color shot down from the sky and swallowed the group up. 

They all shot through the Bifrost, leaving Jotunheim far behind. At last they appeared back in Asgard to a nervous looking Heimdall. Sif rushed over to embrace her brother. "Are you hurt?" he asked, though he was well aware she wasn't. Sif shook her head.

"Good to see you are well, Heimdall. But, we need to ask of one more favour." said Thor.

Heimdall nodded, "Whatever you wish. Though, she must hurry as you don't have much time. The Frost Giants have found a way to dismantle the shield I put over the Bifrost and it will collapse any minute now."

Fandral spoke up, "We need to go to Midgard."

"You do know, once you go, you will not be coming back." Heimdall informed them gravely.

Sif stepped back, "What do you mean by that?"

"By the time you leave, the Jotuns will have captured me and I will have no way to bring you back. I am sorry. Though, you will be safe on Midgard and I promise I will not betray you and bring them to your Earth."

"No!" Sif shouted. 

Heimdall shook his head sadly, then raised his sword to ignite the Bifrost once again. Sif leapt for him in attempt to stop the guardian, though another body now held her back. "Let go of me!" Sif screeched. 

"Sorry Darling, no can do." Loki sighed. 

The Bifrost opened. Thor and the Warriors Three stepped in, leaving Loki and Sif to themselves with Heimdall. "Goodbye, sister." 

"No!" Sif screamed as Loki dragged her into the Bifrost and away from Heimdall. 

Author's Note: Only one more week of school left! Wow, it will feel weird not to go to school everyday. Anyway, remember feedback is always super appreciated! I hope you enjoyed!