Time Keeper and Grim Reaper

Chapter 9

[Alex's POV]

All I remember is pain. White spots played around before my eyes, and I don't even remember if I ever started screaming. Before I could even register what was happening, there was a consistent warm hand, slipping in to hold on to mine. Voices were racing against each other, calling out orders but there was one voice that stood out from the rest. Steve's voice was echoey and barely detectable, as he spoke slowly. "Alex? I'm here. Don't worry." Even now, I knew how bad I must have looked, with all the injuries. There was another voice which I barely registered, and I was set to a breathing mask, and quickly as it seemed, I was under.

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When I slowly came to, I could hear the beeping and the constant dripping of water. But the hand was gone, leaving a ghost of it in its wake. I know I was conscious, but not totally awake. Where am I again? I tried to move a little but there was a searing pain around my limbs and an intense and inexplicable pressure around my torso. What happened? Oh, right. We were in a fight with Loki and I lost consciousness in mid-battle. Is Thor alright? I tried moving again but I could barely lift a finger. It seems like I can only focus on my senses, which were beginning to return to their full potential.

"I had heard that you are labelled a genius in Midgard, alongside that brother of yours. But, to me, you are an idiot." Is that... Kritanta? "Certainly an idiot. Going after Loki alone, and injured, then getting more injuries again. What are you? An idiot, that's it." The person sighs, with defeat in her voice, and I wanted to protest but irritation and annoyance filled me when my fingers didn't even give a twitch. Where is Tony? Oh Kronos, please help me, Give her a smack on her head. "And I don't even know how you can survive with those old injuries. I had to restructure every single rib bone and then check every other bone just in case. Thank Hades, you have the Asgardian blood flowing in you. And with the Time Keeper's power, you will certainly make it." There was another slight pause as I heard her moving to another side of the room. "I should have gone after them." "Princess." Who's... that? "Pass my orders down. All reapers are to be ready for the soul's collection but be lenient. Do not take those who have ample time left." "Yes, Princess." I could feel another in the room. Who are these people? "How's the elite warrior team going?" "They are ready to go, upon your orders. But..." "Speak. Don't be mawkish." "Are you sure not to inform your parents?"

There was a slight pause before Kritanta answered.

"No. Leave them out of it. But, do not raise an attack, until I have given the order. We are not sure if Loki is working alone or there is a mastermind. Any wrong move might cause severed ties between the realms. Alright, leave us, and wait for my orders." Yes, Princess." There was an obvious shimmer through the air and it fell silent once again before Kritanta cleared her throat. "I hope that you are well aware that I am not stupid." I cursed internally before I twitched my fingers. Thank Kronos, I can finally move. It was absolutely a challenge, slowly trying to move the rest of my body. "Horatia?" All that left my throat was a replying groan, and later a coughing fit which I startled myself into. There was an exchange of hands and I was slowly pushed up, with a cup of water readied by my side. I gave a small sip, testing before gulping down the rest of the water. "Ergghhh, I hate being injured." There was a glare and I immediately withered. "I'm sorry." "You had certainly scared everyone out of their wits. Even the brave captain is so worried." "Don't worry. I still have you." "You know perfectly well that I can't save your ass every single time. There are.." "Super many rules and we, as the guardians, should stick with them and uphold the system. But you should also know that the rules are dead and we can bend it, as long as it's not overboard, and too much. But, ultimately, I thank you. For risking everything for a place that you barely knew about." I pat thankfully on her hands and her eyes narrowed. "How much have you heard?"