Finding Freedom, Loki's Story.

chapter 13

Okay, I know this is a long chapter, but it's got plenty of meat on It's bones. That is to say, this chapter has a lot of dialogue. Enjoy and tell me what you think!

Britney's POV

"I baptise you the the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit." I pressed Loki down into the cool, murkey water of the tank. He held his breath and leaned back till he was all the way under. Then he came up through the surface with a smile on his face. He may have gotten saved yesterday, but now he surely felt like a new person, inside, and out. That was my experience at least. But of course, everyone's different.

Thor and The Doctor cheered and clapped. Even Frigga, in all of her queenly elegance, applauded with a smile on her face.

Loki opened his bright green eyes and smiled, silently thanking them. He then turned back to me. Our eyes met. His eyes looked clear, unburdened. Like he had finally made peace with his demons. I could feel my heart picking up speed as we looked into each other's souls. Suddenly he took my hand from under the water and brought it to his lips, lightly kissing it. "Thank you." He spoke softly, not wanting to be overheard by the others.

"No problem." I answered in the same tone. "But I think we should get out of this water before we sink any deeper." He glances down to the water, probably trying to move his feet from the mud. His eyebrows pulled together in befuddlement before he noded and proceeded to pull his leg up and take a step towards shore. The clay on the bottom of the tank is honestly a death trap. Once you step in it, the stuff latches onto you like a suction cup and doesn't let go easily. The more you fight it, the further down you sink until, well, until you're pulled under.

After Loki freed his right leg from the muck he took a large step towards the dry ground. His legs are so long he almost made it in one step too. I looked down, concentrating on pulling my own feet out. I got one loose and took a step forward. However, I didn't have the body weight needed to pull out my rear foot. When I shifted my weight to my left foot to pull my right foot out, it only pushed the left down deeper. And after struggling all I could, I figured it was time to face the fact.

I'm stuck.

Loki had only just gotten out of the water when he turned back to me and saw my predicament. I could tell he was deciding whether to offer help or not. He knows how independent I am.

Suddenly, I heard a thought enter my head. Lay down your pride Britney.

I sighed and thought back. Sorry God. You're right. I looked back to Loki, silently asking for assistance. He took the hint and leaned forward to reach his hand out. I grasped it and he leaned back putting all his weight into pulling me out. I could feel my ankle groaning under the strain.

Loki continued pulling until suddenly, without warning, I came flying forward out of the water. Loki, of course, lost his balance and fell back while I landed on top of him in a heap. Loki's shirt was sopping wet, and that, plus the factor of his cool skin, provided a nice contrast to the heat of Texas. And had it not been for our parents and Thor standing right there, I would have been content to stay there. My hand was still held tight in his and his other arm was wrapped around my back, holding me to him. Whether he meant to do that, or he did it out of instinct I'm not sure. I opened my eyes. When they met his, something flashed between them and, again, I couldn't be sure what it was. Admiration? Appreciation? ...Attraction?  But before I could think further on the matter Thor ran to our side.

"Lady Britney! Are you quite alright?" He asked while offering his hand.

"Fine." I answered without much thought. I may be clumsy but I'm not a complainer. I hopped to my feet and helpped pull Loki to his. I noticed I was missing a boot. It must've come off when I flew out of the mud."My shoe didn't wanna come back I guess." I said chuckling. "But I'm good. Also Thor, it's just Britney. I'm not that old yet." I gave him a wink and turned back to Loki, who was moving his shoulders in a way that looked like he was in pain. I looked to the ground a saw why. Sitting on the spot where loki had landed, was a small squished barrel cactus. Dang. I think that was my fault.