Ei Diafol| Book 3| A Novella in the Blue Moon series| An Avengers fan fiction series|

Part IX~ Slaps

Part 9- Slaps

Have a great day!!! 

Music: lonely child (Christina Perri); The Tear Heals (Tangled soundtrack)

Edit: um... sowey, I'm at school. 

BUT THIS PICTURE- IT GIVES ME THE FEELS 

As the dawn filters through the curtained window, Thea opens her swollen, still-red eyes. Then, she sits up suddenly as the golden doors open. A large man with bright blue eyes and blond hair enters, his red cape flowing behind him. In his hand, Thor still carries Mjolnir.

"It is only me," says Thor, for Thea has been frightened by the sudden intrusion, "I am returning to Midgard for a brief trip. Is there any message you wish to relay?" 

Thea looks up at him and sees that his eyes are kind. She shakes her head and then bites her lip, looking down. 

Thor, seeing her downcast expression, sits down next to her, the springs of the mattress creaking as he does so. "Tell me, what is troubling you?" 

It is a couple minutes before Thea lifts up her left sleeve for Thor to see the ugly red marks on her pale skin, the marks that may never fade. Thor's expression remains the same as before, albeit his eyes cloud. Thea pulls down her sleeve and looks steadfastly forward, but Thor can easily discern the fear in her eyes. 

"Did Loki frighten you?" asks Thor gently. 

She nods. 

Thor sighs, then says, "I can only hope that brightness will shine upon both of you, for the two of you are on unstable paths. While I am gone-"

"I want to go back!" Thea exclaims suddenly, "I don't want to stay in Asgard! I want to go home!"  She is trying to be strong, but her voice is wavering. 

"Oh Thea," says Thor, taking the girl's hand. Her tiny palm is swallowed up in his gigantean hand, "I am sorry. But you must remain in Asgard until Loki and I see fit. Earth has no place for you right now." 

She bows her head, pursing her lips in concealed emotion. 

Thor is quiet for a moment, but then he says, "I know you miss those back on Midgard, your friends who have become your family. Thea, you must understand that you have been sent here for a reason. I- as well as several others- believe that only in Asgard's untamed, beautiful lands can you find peace in your heart."

Thea raises her chin proudly. "I don't need any help." 

"Yes. Yes you do. The red on your arm proves this fact. I fear Loki may be too harsh on you, but my business on Earth cannot wait, and I alone must go. Thea, for me, please try to find happiness again in your heart. You are too young to be like this, this shadow of a life. Although Loki is angry at you, it is because he truly cares, deep in that twisted heart of his." Thor manages a smile. "Promise that you will try to become the happy girl I left with the Calen brothers nearly a year ago." 

"I can't promise something that will not happen," says Thea in a low voice. 

Thor is quiet, "But you can vow to try."

She looks up at him, her green eyes unseeing. Then, she says in a whisper, "All right. I'll try, okay?" She sounds almost defiant. 

Thor realizes that this is as much as he is going to be able to get from Thea at the moment. He squeezes her hand gently, "It is still early. You should go back to sleep. I will return from Midgard tonight. Are you sure there is nothing you would like to say? To Jack, to Peter, to anyone?"