The Rebellious Son

By: Isabelle Christensen

You idiot! She yelled as we jumped out the window and into the alley. I rolled my eyes.
Idiot had become, my sister, Annas new favourite nickname for me. Although, I will admit, this
time I might have deserved to be called an idiot. My brother, Gabriel, sighed.
Anna, calm down. It wasnt just Chris fault that the market caught on fire.
Anna scoffed.
Ya, actually, it was his fault. I mean what even happened Chis? Frying up the market
wasnt part of our original dinner plans.
I hesitated. In all honesty, I didnt know what happened. I remembered seeing a shot of
ice hit a propane tank then kaboom! Besides, I didnt want to talk about it so, instead I did my
best to change the subject.
Well, technically it wasnt on fire
Her face went flame red, this wasnt good.
Oh. Thats right, I forgot. It wasnt on fire. You completely blew it up!
That I did. But I couldn't let Anna have the last word in this fight because it wasn't my
fault it blew up. I don't understand what happened so I can't be held responsible.
Ok, in my defence, I was left unsupervised!
She stopped dead in her tracks and turned to face me.
You were left unsupervised? That the best defense you can come up with? For Odins
sake Chris, youre thirteen years old! Grow up! With mom gone we need to
She trailed off and we all froze. Our mom died three years ago and we have been on our
own ever since. Trying to survive and trying to stay hopeful that one day we might find our dad.
Im sorry Anna whispered.
We would have stood there in silence even longer but the fire of a gun shocked us back
to the reality where we were getting chased by cops. Gabes eyes widened.
We have to go. They caught up!
Anna let out a huff of breath and shoved me and Gabe into the shadows.
Run. She whispered then she took off, leading the cops away from us.

The moment the cops were gone Gabe and I made a mad dash to our house. Well I say
house. What I really mean is old, run down, abandoned shack that we live in.
Once we got there all we could do was wait and hope that Anna could make it home
safe. About an hour passed and Gabe was pacing the floor.
This isnt right. His voice shook. Anna should have been home a long time ago.
I hate to admit it, but he was right. Something seemed off.
Well I say that if she isnt home in five minutes we go after her.

Gabe only nodded and continued to pace. Three minutes had passed when we heard
the front door open. Anna stormed in,grabbed hold of my shirt and pinned me to the wall. Gabe
jumped up and tugged at her jacket trying to pry her away from me.
What happened out there Anna? And why did it take you so long to get back?
She flicked her eyes at him then back at me.
What happened? What happened is I had to lock pick a pair of handcuffs, break
through a cop cars window and run through the sewer system to get home! And that was all
because this moron had to go blow up a market!
She made it sound like it was a horrible attempt at killing people. I mean, ya sure, people
would have gotten hurt but we managed to get them all out before the Big boom.
I think she was about to give me the responsibility speech again when, out of nowhere,
she dropped me to the ground. I stood and immediately saw, or rather heard, the reason for the
pause in our fight. We heard the lock to our front door click and then I realized that someone
was trying to break into our house.

For the record I was getting really sick and tired of Anna pushing me into dark places
every time a threat comes near. I tried to get back up but she smacked my head.
Be quiet and stay put. Wait for my signal.
This time I listened to her warning. Mostly because now she had her pocket knife in her
hand. She moved around the table and stood with her back pressed tightly against the wall. The
door creaked open a crack and two kids,a boy and a girl, both around our age slipped in.
As far as I could tell they were unarmed but seeing someone from a distance of twenty
feet doesnt really give me the authority to declare that.
As they moved around the table where we had once stood I saw Anna slid just out of
their eyeshot. Once they were just in front of me and Gabe, Anna jumped out of her hiding spot
and pinned the girl to the wall. Then me and Gabe jumped up to pin the boy. But before we
could get to him we realized that Anna, the boy and the girl had all froze. I glanced around at
them and Gabe, who had also froze.
Jen? Zac?Anna whispered, releasing the girl.
The two of them nodded and Gabe drew in a long, deep, breath.
Chris, this is our brother Zac and our sister Jen.
The boy, Zac, waved, and Anna shook her head.
But, why did you come back?
I wasnt going to talk yet but keeping my mouth closed was getting to be really hard.
Come back? What do you mean come back? Its been eleven years and you act as
though you just saw them last week!
Everyone lowered their gaze just enough that they couldnt make eye contact with me or
each other. I looked back and forth between them.
Are you kidding me? I stopped and shook my head. I dont know why this is a
surprise. Ive noticed you two sneaking out together without me before.
I turned to walk away but Anna raced forward and grabbed my arm, yanking me
backwards.

I didnt want to lie to you Chris. But when we started meeting with them again they said
they had a lead on what happened to mom and who our dad is so we just didnt want to get your
hopes up.
I lifted my head and stared her in the eyes.
Oh please. Lets face the facts here, Anna. Youre just scared that Im going to mess
this up for you. Like I do with everything. You dont trust me, at all.
I turned to walk away but Anna grabbed my arm, holding me back.
Youre wrong Chris. And Ill prove it. I will tell you what Ive been keeping from you.
Everything that is different about us.
I turned back around.
Different? What do you mean different?

I couldnt believe it, no matter how much sense it made.

Me? And you guys? Demigods?
I let out a shallow laugh and Jen said,
Come on. Even you must think that this makes a bit of sense. Why were stronger than
others, why were more skilled.
I nodded slightly. Ya, it did fit but I just couldnt believe that they kept it from me. Jen
stood up and walked across the room to sit next to me.
Our father is from the ancient Norse mythology. He is Thor, the god of thunder.
I couldnt help but laugh.
So, what you are telling me is that our dad is an old viking god that waves around a
hammer?
They all nodded. I sighed. They weren't kidding.
And we can take you to him. Everyone turned to face Zac. Me and Jen know a
secret passage from here to Asgard.
I looked around at them.
Then lets go

The gateway wasnt that far. It was inside a cave and all you had to do was walk
through to the other side. Going through the cave wasnt to pleasant seeming as I was afraid of
spiders and bugs, but Asgard was probably the most amazing place I have ever seen. The
castle wasnt that hard to spot. It towered over the other houses, and its where a rainbow bridge
lead to.
That bridge over there is called the bi-frost. Its how the Asgardians travel between the
realms. Zac said, pointing at the spot where the bridge met a large building of some sort.
Then I remembered.
Oh right! And Heimdall, the, um, guardian of the worlds or something, is inside.

It was starting to come back to me. I remembered my mom teaching us about some of
the Norse gods but it was so long ago that I wasnt sure if any of it had stuck in my head. But I
did know a few things for certain.
Thor would be in the main castle, right?
We all looked over at Zac, who nodded in agreement. And with that, we stepped on to
the bi-frost and began the long walk to the home of the viking gods.

The walk was longer than I thought it would be, but once we arrived at the doors, the
walk seemed almost worth it. The entrance was guarded, but it didn't take much to convince
them to let us in. Zac said that Heimdall probably saw us coming and gave the guards an order
to let us in. Either way, we were in and we had an escort to the throne room.
The throne room must have been the largest room in the whole castle. Odin was waiting
for us when we got there, sitting in his throne while two others, a woman and another man,
stood on either side of him. One of the guard escorting us stepped up and bowed. Or, I think it
was a bow.
Alfather, the five midgard children Heimdall informed you of have arrived.
The guard stood up and I turned to Gabe, waiting for him to explain why we were here.
(Anna and I always let him do the talking in difficult situations.)
Um He started but Odin raised a hand to silence him.
I know why you are here, he said, Children of Thor.
Gabe let out a sigh of relief as Thor stepped forward.
Welcome home.

As a celebration for us returning to Asgard, Thor held a gathering of all the Asgardians.
The feast was amazing. After going almost a lifetime with little to no food, it seemed like we
were in heaven. But that feeling was gonna get lost real soon.
After dinner Thor showed us around the castle. There were rooms full of old relics and
halls lined with pictures. As we passed one of the photos I noticed there was another little boy,
at first I figured it was an old friend but as we continued through the hall I saw the same boy in
every family photo. I stopped in front of one picture that showed Thor and the other boy
laughing.
Who is that? I asked.
Thor froze but didnt turn around.
Was he one of your close friends?
Thor shook his head and walked over to look at the image.
That is Loki. He was my brother a long time ago but greed and power controlled his life
in the end.
I know what youre all thinking. Oh that sounds bad! Maybe you shouldnt ask him about
it anymore. And ya, maybe I shouldnt of but incase you havent cluded into this already,
keeping my mouth shut wasnt something I was capable of.

What did he do?

Thor just stared at the picture. A short while later he said, in a low voice,
Forget it. Lets keep going.
Everyone else moved quickly to keep up with him but I stayed put for another moment.
Thinking about what might have happened to Loki after he betrayed Thor and his family. And
what did Thor mean by betray? But those were minor things that I was thinking about. My main
concern was that either Anna or Gabe was gonna tell me off for opening my mouth when I
should have sealed it shut. I was really hoping that I would be lucky and they wouldnt say
anything about it but with my luck, not only would I get a lecture from them but Zac and Jen
would probably get mad at me too.

Oh boy, do I ever need a four leaf clover. Thor cut the tour off early so I must have really
upset him. He had a guard show us to our rooms and once we were alone Gabe crossed his
arms and gave me the Im disappointed in you look as Anna began her speech. Not only that
but after Anna was done Zac gave me the You should start listening to her speech. Then
Gabe put his two cents in. But I wasnt listening to anything they said. I was too busy wrapping
my head around Thors brother situation. Anna must have noticed I wasnt listening because she
walked forward and gave me a slap on the head. I ducked down as her hand hit.
You know, it hurts when you do that. I informed her.
Annas face remained stern.
Then maybe you should start acting like a human that has ears, not like a brick wall!
Well what do you want me to say? Im sorry?
Her eyes were ablaze with anger.
Everything I say and do is for you and Gabe. Mom made me promise to take care of
you the night before she died and I intended to keep that promise. She paused and the anger
in her eyes dimmed. Chris, you need to understand that Im doing my best. Whatever you
think, youre still my brother and I love you. But honestly, you need to stop acting like a child all
the time.
I lowered my head for a moment, thinking over what she had said, then I raised it back
up and looked her in the eyes.
I get that you were trying to keep your promise but now that we are here you need to
stop taking care of me and treating me like Im different. I will stop acting like a child when you
stop treating me like one.
Mom wouldnt want us to fight. She sighed.
I turned to walk away but I pause just long enough to say,
With how I remember our childhood, she wouldnt be surprised.
Then I walked away. Hoping that I wouldnt have to see them again for a while. Also
hoping that some of the tension would subside by the time we do talk to each other again.

By the time our big fight ended it was late.

I was laying in my bed staring at the ceiling when I heard a knock at my door.

Go away. I dont want to talk right now. I whispered just loud enough for whoever it
was to hear me.
Chris? Its Jen. I have to talk to you.
I didnt answer so she walked in and sat at the foot of my bed.
Listen to me, I know the truth. I know why you feel different from them.
I sat up. How could Jen know but not me? I kept silent and she continued.
Thor is not you father.

I stared at her. What did she mean, Thor wasnt my father?

Jane wasnt your mother either.
As if she hadnt confused me enough, she had to make it worse. Then I realized that
she must have been kidding. I laughed.
Ok, I get it. This is just some joke that youre trying to pull.
She didnt say anything. So I asked her again if it was a joke. She shook her head,
slowly, as though I had let her down in some way.
The way you talked to Thor about his brother made it sound like you knew.
This girl did not know how to get to the point. So I asked again with little more of an
angered tone in my voice.
Who is my dad?
She lifted her head and grinned.
Finally you're listening to me. Come on. I'll take you to him.
She took off out of the room and down the hallway. I called out for her to slow down but
like that did any good. I saw she take a hard left then I stopped. Thor told us that the only thing
down that hallway was the staircase to the prison cells.
Wait! I called out again, just before she started down the stairs.
This time she stopped and turned.
Let me guess you don't understand why we are going down here, right?
I nodded. She was right. I didn't understand why my dad would be in the dungeon part
of the castle. She rolled her eyes and motioned for me to follow her. I hesitated for a moment. If
this was where my father was then I wasn't sure if I wanted to met him. But Anna was right. I'm
just an idiot who doesnt know when to use his brain.
I ran down the steps to catch up to her. As she lead me through the rows of cells, I took
a quick glance inside one of them. I really hoped my dad wasn't one of those things. One of
them was really pale and wrinkled up, almost like a bleached raisin. Another one looked like it
was made up of only bone and skin, but it had this giant head that looked like a bull, horns and
all. Jen must have noticed the nervousness growing in my eyes. She giggled.
Don't worry. Our dad doesn't look like they do. He's an Asgardian so he looks like you
and me.
I started to relax but then that raised a whole nother more uncomfortable question. Why
would an Asgardian be in the Asgard prison? But at least that time I kept quiet for.

We turned right once more and came to stop. I glanced into the cell and saw a man
sitting in a chair in the far corner. I didn't recognize him at first but as I looked closer I realized
this was the boy from the photos. I slowly opened my mouth and muttered under my breath,
Loki

I stood, petrified. How in the nine realms was it possibly that my father was Loki. He
grinned. His eye had the same flame that Jens had, only his raged out of control.
Good. He came.
He stood and turned to Jen.
You brought him so I assume you have the key as well?
Jen nodded and pulled out a small golden key. Loki nodded towards the door and she
moved around me to unlock it. As she worked on the lock Loki turned his attention back to me.
He didnt say a word but I felt like I was being watch by some sort of psycho killer, which, by the
way, is not a good feeling. I heard the lock pop open and the door creak. I watched him as he
slipped out the door. He relocked it, turned to face me and Jen then clasped his hands.
What do you know so far?
I was starting to get a bad feeling that being in the center of Lokis attention was a very
bad place to be.
Come on, Chis. I assume you must have at least asked Thor about me.
My gaze drifted towards him for a second then snapped away. And, against all my dumb
luck, he noticed so he knew that I knew something about him. I drew a deep breath.
Ya. Ive heard of you. I know you betrayed your family but Im not sure how. But
whatever it was must have been bad.
As I finished I couldve sworn I saw a flicker of pain in his eyes. But if there was, it was
gone as fast as it had come. He grinned, covering it up, then motioned for us to follow him. Jen
skipped up to join him. They stood waiting for me, only I wasnt sure if I could trust him. I know,
you think I might have actually gained a brain. Dont get you hopes up. Yep, thats right. My
stupid took over again.
As we walked down the hall Loki whispered,
Im not as bad as they say, you know. Ask the alfather about it and hell tell you great
lies. Only me and my mother know the truth because my father was blinded by... other news.
I didnt respond. I could tell by the way he looked at me that he saw the fear I felt about
going with him. He stopped us in front of a wall. Backing us up behind him, he threw some sort
of magic at the wall. Where it hit a glowing, green oval appeared.
Lets go! Loki yelled above the noise of the wind.
Then Jen jumped through. I didnt want to but Loki didnt seem to accept that because
when I didnt move he grabbed my shoulders, and shoved me through. It sucked me in and I
squeezed my eyes shut. I felt myself spin around and around. Then I lost track of everything. I
finally stopped spinning and I felt my head hit the ground. Everything went black again.

Mental note, I need to remember to wear a helmet next time I teleport with Loki. When I
woke up I was in a large throne room. But this one wasnt golden like Odin's. It was a bright, icy
blue.
I sat up and turned my head. Jen was sitting, cross-legged on the floor. I turned even
more trying to find Loki. He had his back turned and was flipping through a book that was sitting
on top of a deep blue desk. I stood up, brushed myself off and started over towards Jen but
paused when I heard Loki chuckle and say,
Not to most graceful of us are you?
I rolled my eyes and asked,
Where did you zap us to?
Jen pointed out the window. I looked out it and saw a whole lot of ice and snow.
Well, Id hate to see your guys winter.
Jen laughed and shook her head at me.
Were in Jotunheim, where the frost giants live. Seriously Chris, you might want to
consider doing a bit of reading on Norse mythology.
I laughed and nodded. I turned, and started walked towards Loki. He raised his head
from the book and sighed.
You got questions and I suppose there is no other way to delay.
I nodded my head and drew in a deep breath.
One, does anyone else know that you are our dad? Two, did my mom know whos
child I really was? Three, why did you only just now tell me? Why not before. And last, why are
we in Jotunheim? I thought this was where the frost giant, monster, things live?
I saw his eyes flicker when I said monster. But was gone pretty quick so it was hard to
catch it.
One, no one else knows unless one of you two, loud-mouths blabbed. Two, your
mother didnt know that you were my child. She found you and took you in, not knowing whose
offspring you were. Three, there is a war coming and I wanted shelter you from this news as
long as possibly. I know that sometimes finding out youre adopted can be hard.
He paused. I crossed my arms, hoping he would take the hint that I wasnt going
anywhere. After he took a few deep breaths he finally muttered,
We are in Jotunheim because my real father is Laufey, the king of the frost giants.

My eyes flew open and I took a step backwards. I felt my back hit a end table where Jen
had left a dagger. I felt for it and I wrapped my hand around the handle then I slowly lowered it
behind my back. Loki smiled at my reaction.
Whether you like it or not, Chris, its true and you do have frost giant blood in you.
I shook my head.
No. Frost giants are cold hearted killers, never to be trusted, theyre monsters. Raised
to kill and betray. I began to drift off, realizing that my description of frost giants was
beginning to also describe Loki. He laughed.
Well, being cold is kind of the definition of a frost giant. But not all of us are killers.

Oh, then Im sure you were just undercover when you were sitting in the prison cell,
right?
He turned his head away from me. Thats when I saw my chance. I ran up, and shoved
the dagger through his back. Or, at least I tried to. The second the blade hit him he dissolved
into a mist of green smoke and the blade hit the table. I stared at the spot where he had stood,
confused, until I heard him chuckle behind me. I turned but not fast enough. He grabbed hold of
my shirt and pinned me to the wall. He held one of his arms across my chest, holding me a foot
above the ground. In his other hand was his dagger, which he held just inches from my throat.
He grinned and whispered,
Nice try, but not good enough. There is a war coming and whether you like it or not, I
am your only hope. Think of me as a monster if you wish but remember that my blood runs in
your veins, so if Im a monster so are you.
I stretched my legs, trying desperately to reach the ground. The pressure on my chest
was limiting my breathing.
Im nothing like you. I managed.
He pressed harder on my chest, stopping my struggles, and continued.
Im the only honest person you have ever met. Your sister, your brother, even your
mother. They all knew you were adopted but they never thought to tell you. Asgard is made of
liars. I have never told you a lie and I dont intend to. You could obey me as part of my army or
as my son, either way I will be good to you in return. But turn against me, and I will become the
monster you think I am. I will rip away all that you know and love until you have no shelter but
me. This is the only warning you are going to get so it would be wise of you to listen the first
time .
He lowered his dagger, removed his arm and dropped me on the floor. I sat up against
the icy wall. Thank goodness Jen wasnt like that or we would have had a problem a long time
ago. Loki replaced his dagger into its sheath, then he smiled at me.
This is your only option Chris. You so called family back in Asgard wont take you back.
Not if they find out about this. You know that.
I nodded. I knew it but I still wanted to go back. I didnt want this life. I wanted a life with
Anna, Gabe, and Zac, not with Loki and Jen. But I didnt have a choice now. I helped a criminal
escape so I needed somewhere to go if they found out I was involve with his escape.
Fine. Ill join your army but as a soldier not as your son, and Anna, Gabe and Zac must
not get hurt.
Loki grinned and held out his hand. I reached out mine and we shook on it then he
pulled me up to a standing position.
Its getting late. Lets get you back to Asgard. You need some sleep.
I turned and started to walk away when he called out.
And Chris, dont breath a word.
I knew it was a threat so I kept silent. Another portal opened on the wall and once again
I jumped through a spinning hole of black magic.

Ta-da! I landed on my feet not my face! Lokis portal sent Jen and me into my room. Jen
headed towards the door. She paused for a moment and said quietly,

I know he seems mean and cruel but hes been good to me. And he will be good to you
too. You just need to give him your loyalty.
She turned and walked out the door. As soon as she had gone I shut the door and
jumped onto my bed. What else could I have done. There was no way I was going to be able to
sleep after what just happened and it was midnight so I couldnt go wandering the halls. I laid
there, staring at the roof thinking over what I had just done. Ya it was bad, but I could have done
worse right? I mean, some people sell their souls to the devil back on Earth. Wait, scratch that.
Agreeing to be part of Lokis army was probably just as bad as belonging to Lucifer.
After a while I got bored and I didnt like that I was all alone in this creepy room so I took
a walk. I know. I literally just said that it would be weird to be walking around a midnight for no
reason but after all the stupid things I had done in the past 24 hours, whats one more thing to
add to the list? I waited until there was no guards in the hallway, then I slipped out the door. I
remembered every turn Thor took so I navigated my way back to the hallway where all the
pictures hung on the wall. As I studied the pictures I realized that Loki wasnt in any of the recent
family photos. In fact the last picture he was in was at a celebration of some sort. By the looks of
it, Thor was going to become some sort of protector of the nine realms.
The really odd this though was that there was a picture of the event but not of any party
afterwards. I heard footsteps behind me. I shifted my gaze, looking for somewhere to hide. By
the time I found a dark spot to hide whoever had been walking past had saw me, and was
moving closer. I kept my back turned but braced myself for a fight. The person came up behind
me and said in a low voice,
We were close, you know. But he and our father, well lets just say they didnt get
along.
I recognized the voice the moment the first word escaped his lips.
You knew Loki wasnt your real brother, didnt you?

I turned around and saw Thor starring at the pictures.

Yes. I did, but that did not change the fact that he was my brother. We were raised
together so it didnt feel to me like he didnt belong. My father however, knew the frost giants
would come back for him, even if it was decades later. As Loki grew older, he found it much
harder to gain Odins trust. Loki did everything in his power to prove that he wouldnt betray
Asgard but in the end all he could do was give the all-father a reason to hate him. My brother
sought out a realm in which he could rule to prove his power. He alway managed to stay ahead
of Asgard's armies, he was always ready and he played everything that happened to his own
advantage. Then one day, we caught up to him, although, looking back on it, I almost feel like
he meant for us to get him. I brushed it off at first but I still think that he wanted it to happen.
Thor turned his gaze away from the pictures and walked away. My stomach twisted into a knot.
Loki being out and running was not good. I had a really bad feeling that he was coming for
Asgard.

I spent the rest of the night sitting in my room trying to figure out a way that I could stop
the war. But so far nothing seemed like it was going to work. Every idea I had ended with me
killed by Loki or locked up in Asgard. I couldnt avoid my deal with Loki, hed kill me. I couldnt
tell Thor or the gang because Loki would kill me. I couldnt betray Loki or go out on our deal,
hed kill me. And if I stayed with the deal Id probably be locked up for the rest of my life.
Morning came around and Thor was going to continue with the tour.
Chris and I aren't feeling too good so we are just going to hang back. Jen said.
I didnt like having to lie but apparently Loki had to see us. Anna, Gabe and Zac
exchanged doubtful looks. They were just about to walk out the door when a guard came
rushing in. I tensed but then tried to relaxed. They would have wondered why I would be worried
about a guard. The guard was breathing hard. He must have ran here which couldnt be a good
sign.
Thor, we need you down in prison. One has gone missing.
I shifted my gaze downwards as Thor asked which one. I crossed my fingers and hoped
that he wouldnt say the name I was thinking of. The guard's eyes flooded with fear as he
whispered,
Loki.

My heart leapt into my throat. This was bad. Thor's face flooded with anger and he
stormed down to the prison to try to track Loki. Once Anna, Gabe and Zac left, Jen turned to me
and nodded towards the wardrobe. I let out a deep breath and started forward. I opened it and
saw another portal. Jen stepped through then, holding my breath, I stepped into the glowing
light.
On the other side Loki was waiting for us. I ran forward and said,
They know youre missing. Thor told me the story so I know this is the first place hell
look.
He started to laugh.
You don't get it do you? I know he'll come here. That's why we will be gone.
I was about to argue when I heard a thump come from behind me. I whirled around to
see Anna, Gabe and Zac, petrified, standing in front of the portal.
What did you do Chris? Gabe whispered horrified.
Jen laughed and flashed her eyes from Loki to them. Anna was about to freak but she
stopped and whispered,
Where did he go?
I spun around to look. Loki was gone. I smacked my forehead and ran to the wall where
the portal had been. Nothing, not even a speck of magic left.
I heard Anna scream and I whirled around to see the three of them backed up against
the wall. I ran to help them but as I got closer I realized that they werent there on their own.

Something or someone was crushing them against the wall. I saw Zac dart his eyes
behind me as he gasped for breath, so I turned and saw Loki. His hand looked as though he
was pushing something against the wall. He was using magic to crush them. I dived toward him,
hoping that if I could knock him over that the others would be released. I would have hit him but
Jen had jumped forward and shoved me into the ground.
You cant save them. She warned. You gave your loyalty to this war and we cant
have these three running around trying to stop it.
I couldnt hold back anymore. Using strength I never knew I had, I slammed her into the
wall across the room. Then I swung a punch a Loki. I missed but he had ducked, causing his
magic to fail. Clutching their chests, Gabe and Zac raced over to stop Jen, who was getting out
her dagger. Anna grabbed it from her hands and threw it at me. I caught it and spun around to
face Loki. I couldnt believe the nerve of this guy. I know hes a frost giant and all, but going back
on a deal was something the not even the monsters on Earth could do. If they make a deal with
someone they had to keep it.
I trusted you. I said.
He smiled.
Well then you cant exactly blame me can you? You said it yourself. Frost giants are
raised betray and kill. So really it was your mistake.
I rolled my eyes and added,
But you werent raised a frost giant were you? You were raised as an Odinson.
He glared at me. Ill tell you, if only looks could kill. I would have been stabbed, burned,
buried, dug up and burned again just for good measure.
Yes. I was raised to trust and see where that got me? Odin never trusted me did he? I
know how Thors story goes but did you ever stop to think that maybe he left something out?
After all, no one ever wants to tell a story with them as the villain, do they?
He stopped and held my stare. I hesitated. What did he expect me to say to that?
Ill let them go but you have to keep up your end of our deal. He offered.
I nodded. As we turned to get the others through through the portal we heard the mirror
shatter. I saw Anna come running up behind Loki, holding a shard of the glass.

Before me or Loki could react she shoved the glass into his side then, gripping the spot
where shard had pierced his skin, he crumbled to the ground. Helping Gabe and Zac, Anna
jumped through the portal. I ran to follow then stopped just before I went through. I looked back
at Loki. He was kneeling in a pool of blood, using one hand to keep himself off the ground while
the other was clutching his side. He was gasping for breath and he was trying desperately to
stop the bleeding. He removed his hand for a moment and it was drenched in blood. Panic
immediately flooded his face and he quickly replaced his hand over his wound. Jen was
unconscious and he would probably be dead by the time she woke up. I knew I couldnt just
leave knowing that he was bleeding out on the floor. So I unzipped my sweater and threw it to
him so that he could stop to blood from gushing out. I made sure he could grab it then I ran
towards the portal. I know, he probably didnt deserve to be saved but I couldnt leave him like
that. He was my dad after all and I refuse to turn myself into some monster.

When I reached the other side I was thankful that Loki hadnt been lying. We were back
in my room, and back to a fight. Zac was sitting on the bed staring at the floor. He had just saw
his sister willing to kill them for someone who he had been told was a monster.
Why would she do that? He whispered, barely loud enough to hear.
Anna gave him a reassuring hug and Gabe gave me a empty stare. I looked down. I
wasnt proud of what I did and I wanted to disappear. Gabe walked over to me, took a long,
deep breath then muttered,
What happened Chris?
I glanced over at Anna and Zac then back at Gabe. Then I finally started to explain. I
told him everything. Jen leading me to the prison, her letting Loki out, who my father was, I even
told how I agreed to be part of a war. I know I shouldn't have, but I also told him I saved Loki. He
didnt say another word to me. He looked down at his feet.
Im sorry for everything. But its over now. I dont expect you to trust me anymore but I
want you to know I have and will always trust you. I whispered softly.
Then I left the room, quietly closing the door behind me. Before I walked away I pressed
my head against the door to listen to what they were saying. I heard Gabe tell them what
happened then Anna said,
How could he save that monster after what he tried to do? At least he gone for now.
We're safer without him around, at least until we can figure something out.
I turned away from the door, tears blurring my vision. I knew she meant it and even if
the others didnt say it they were thinking it. And I knew it too. They were safer without me
around. I walked down the hallway and made sure there were no guards before I entered an old
sealed off room. I dont know how I knew whose it was but I did. This was my father's old room.

It was dusty but I knew no one would come in here. I had to be alone and the farther
away I was from my sister and brothers, the safer theyd be from Jen, Loki and me. I sat on the
bed and stared out the window. I thought I heard someone behind me but I didnt care. I didnt
care about anything.
The person behind me said,
Thank-you. I suppose I owe you one now.
I stood up and turned around. Loki was leaning against the door.
You said they wouldnt get hurt! I yelled at him.
He shifted his gaze and sighed.
And for that, I am, truly, sorry. I didnt think that they would try to follow you. I never
intended to hurt them but sometimes things dont go according to the plan.
I wasnt sure what to do now. Surely he knew about what had just happened with Anna,
Gabe and Zac. So he must know that Im on my own know which wasnt good news for me.

He pushed off the wall and walked over to the bed.

And so comes the matter of our deal. Now that you don't have anyone besides me, we
only really have two choices.
I glared at him.
No, I dont have two choices. If I want to keep breathing I got one.
Loki shrugged.
Thats true, and if you are as smart as I think you are then you would come with me.
He was right. That was the better option but I dont think it was a smart choice. Then
again, if I didnt go with him I would end up dead. If I did get away from Loki chances are that I
would have been ratted out to Thor so I would be locked up for the rest of my pathetic excuse of
a life.
I got up and walked over to the wardrobe. Taking a deep breath, I swung open the doors
and said,
Lets go to Jotunheim then.

Jen wasnt happy to see me at all. The moment she saw me she started aiming punches
at my head. I would have been missing a few teeth but thankfully Loki was on my side.
Dont Jen. Chris is still keeping his end of our deal. He didnt know the other were going
to come.
I was thinking the same thing, and I hope that since Loki was talking she would listen
but, um, I think I really upset her. She started going off about how I was going to kill him to save
Anna and them. I rolled my eyes. I was about to start telling her off but a blast of ice and snow
pounded the door open. Loki stepped out in front of us, shielding us from the icy wind. When the
wind died down, Loki remained in front of us. I looked around him and saw a huge frost giant. A
lot bigger than I had been told they were. Then I realized, this must have been Laufey, the king
of the frost giants. He spoke in some sort of ancient Norse dialecte or something. Loki lowered
his head and kept his eyes fixed on the floor. Once the big guy had finished his gibberish ramble
he moved his gaze behind Loki at us. Loki, realizing this, stood up straighter, blocking us from
Laufeys view. Loki said something to Laufey then pointed to the door. He held Lokis gaze
awhile longer before walking out the door and disappearing into the white mist of snow. After he
had gone Loki ran to the doors closed them, then headed over to is desk. He collapsed into his
chair and stared at the book that lay open at his desk. I walked up to his desk but before I
reached him he slammed his book shut.
Aw, was daddy gettin mad at you? I said mockingly.
Loki glared at me.
We have to get out of here. The frost giants are mad. They are coming after me which
means they probably going to kill you two as well.
I rolled my eyes. This was just great, now we had a bunch of giant snow cones after us
(no offence to my dad) and we had to come up with some sort of escape plan. Before any of us
could come up with any ideas for where to go, we saw a bright, golden, flash of light come from
outside the window. Then came a loud angered voice yelling at Loki.

I knew who the voice belonged to right away. We hadnt moved fast enough and now
Lokis big bro was gonna tear down the door trying to get in. I looked over at Loki hoping that if
he was calm about it I would calm down. But when looked, Lokis face had gone pale and his
eyes were wide with fear. Thats when I realized that I should be panicking. I shook Loki back to
reality then he put up a barrier in front of the door to hold Thor back a while longer.
This is bad. Loki said, We had a chance before but the frost giants will have found
out about Thor coming here and chances are that now they will go after Asgard to get revenge.
I couldnt believe this. In all the nine realms, how was it possible that all the bad luck
always gathered around me? Then I got an idea. If Lokis shield could hold Thor off for a while
then we would have time to get somewhere safe. Or at least safer. To give us even more time I
got Loki to set up one of his hologram tricks of him, Jen and me. I didnt know where Loki was
sending us to but I hopped that it wasnt somewhere that had other things living there.

Nidavellir. Of all the places to go it had to be Nidavellir, where the shadow elves live. I
scoffed at Loki.
You cant be serious. We arent really going to hid here?
Loki glanced around then started down the hill. I was about to follow him when I saw
that he was heading towards a group of elves. Jen didnt seem to have a problem with it but I
didnt move. I watched as he and the elves talked. After a few minutes Loki returned to where
me and Jen were waiting.
Next stop. Asgard.
He said as another portal appeared. I went through and it lead us to Lokis old room.
We have to the to the bi-frost.The elves won't wait long.
I didnt move. I couldnt move. There was no way I would allow Loki to hurt that many
people.
You lied to me again. Laufey wasnt warning you he was asking when the plan was
going to play out. Innocent people are going to get hurt. Including Anna, Gabe and Zac. I saw
the book on your desk. Youre going to try to let the frost giants and the shadow elves into
Asgard to destroy it for you?
Loki held my gaze.
They know I could beat them with little effort so they obey me. In return I dont hunt
them down. Things will be better if we do this, Chris. For you, for Jen, for everyone. And it isnt
all a lie. You and Jen will be safe.
Ignoring him, I walked over to the door and opened it. I knew if I was seen it wouldnt
end well but I had to find away to stop Loki.
I ran down the hall to the throne room to talk to Thor. There were no guards, thank
goodness. Thor, Anna, Gabe and Zac were gathered around a large, golden table. I walked up
and the three of them all took a small step back. I lowered my head. They had good reason to
be scared of me but I couldnt let that distract me.

Loki is coming I said, turning my attention to Thor. The frost giants and the shadow
elves are coming with him. He is on his way to let them in now.
Anna came up behind me and shoved my shoulder, turning me around.
Why should we listen to you? Last I knew you and him were best buds.
I shook my head.
He said you wouldnt get hurt but he lied. And if his army's get in then everyone here
will be destroyed. And I cant let you guys get hurt. You may not trust me but I trust you so
please, believe me when I say that I would rebel against anyone in the nine realms to save you.
Family is more than just blood. Family is who stays with you through everything. You guys are
my family.
Anna gave me a hug.
Of course I trust you. She whispered. Youre my little brother. I would do anything
to save you too.
Gabe and Zac agreed. I would have loved for time to freeze but we heard the crash of
the main doors being broken down then we realized we had to move or it would be too late.

We ran out on to the bi-frost. The wind whirled around us.

Heimdall will try to stop Loki so that will buy us enough time to get to him. Thor yelled above
the noise.
As we approached the end of the bi-frost I held my breath. This was a horrible idea, I know. But
if we didnt stop him, the doors would open and a lot of monsters would come pouring in. Thor
busted down the door and we ran in only to find Loki and Jen.
Where is Heimdall? Zac asked.
Loki shrugged his shoulders.
Im pretty sure the portal sent him to Alfheim. Or maybe it was Muspelheim. Well, I wasnt
paying full attention so really he could have ended up anywhere.
Thor walked up to him.
Stop this, Loki. You are not thinking clearly. What about all the people who are going to die?
Loki turned his head away from his brother as Thor continued.
How many people must die before you are happy? Innocent lives should not be lost
over a fight to be king.
Loki swung his head back to Thor.
You think I want to hurt people? This is not what I have ever wanted and neither was the
throne. All I ever wanted was for Odin to see me how he sees you. As a son worth being proud
of. I only wanted to be your equal but now I see, that can never happen because he will only
ever see me as a monster!
Sorrow filled Thors eyes.
This isnt the only way to make him see you differently. You can come home and be my
brother again.
Loki shook his head.
I cant go home for I dont have one. Stand aside and I will promise the childrens and
mothers safety. As well as yours.

Thor looked out to the bi-frost.

And what about all the other innocent lives out there? I cant let you continue this, Loki.
You know I cant.
I saw Loki pull out his dagger, holding just out of Thors eyeshot.
Please dont make me do this, brother. He warned, guiding his dagger in front of
him.
Thor saw it then stepped between Loki and the key to open the gateway. Loki took a
deep breath then said plainly.
So be it.

Thor held his hand out to the side and for a minute I was really confused. Then we heard
a weird, eerie noise, and then came a flying hammer. I smiled. I had almost forgotten about the
hammer of Thor. Only whoever is worthy can pick it up or something like that. Either way now
at least we had a small chance.
The hammer bounced into Thors hand and Loki raised his dagger. The final battle had
begun and if we lost, theres no telling what other realms will be taken over later. As the two
brothers fought Anna, Gabe, Zac, and I tried talking to Jen.
No! She said, Ive made my choice and I chose to stand with my father not with
those who only pretended I mattered.
Zac pushed past me.
Jen, you do matter. To me, to all of us. Because family doesnt end with blood. Family
is made of the people who care most about you. Who would do anything for you.
Jen chuckled.
You really shouldnt feel that way about me. Im a frost giant. You should never trust
us. She drew out her dagger. I will rule the realms along side my father. You could to Chris.
All of this could have been avoided if you hadnt gone loyal to a bunch of liars.
Zac answered for me.
You and Loki lied to him. Weve protected him as hes protected us.
Jen twirled her dagger around in the air. I swallowed hard. Zac was in range of her and
her blade and it was making me uneasy. She let a smirk escape her lips.
Oh Chris. The youngest of the siblings, the adopted one who rebelled against who he
thought was family. Then betrayed his real father to save the pack of liars. And at the end of the
story no one can really tell where his loyalty lies until the last fight ends.
Her gaze drifted to Loki, then snapped back to us.
Sound like someone you know?
They all held their dead stars. Jen shrugged.
Like father like son, right?
Zac walked right up to her and grabbed her arm.
Come home Jen. You dont belong with someone like Loki. Youre good at heart so
come with us where you can have a good life. Come be my sister again.

Jen pushed his arm away.

No. If I stay with my father I will have a better life than if I go with you.
Zac didnt budge. He seemed determined to get through to her, even at the cost of his
life. Jen shook her head.
I had hoped it wouldnt come down to this.
And the last fight between them began. Zac ducked her dagger the first time she swung
it, causing her to stumble. Her falling gave Zac a chance to get behind her but she whirled
around. He was caught of guard and she stabbed her dagger into his stomach.

Anna screamed his name but Gabe held her back, in fear that Jen might hurt her too.
Zac wrapped his hands around Jens arm as blood started dripping to the floor. Zacs eye welled
up with tears, not from the physical pain but from the pain of Jen turning against him. Leaving
him when he thought he could always trust her.
He bowed down his head, still grasping her arm. Jen held him up from falling another
moment longer, as she whispered in his ear,
Trying to be sneaky, huh? That normally works for you doesnt it? Remember, you
learned how to fight from me, brother.
She pulled her dagger out and pushed Zac over. He fell onto his back and blood started
pooling around him. Annas cries had pause Thor and Lokis fight as well. I looked at Loki and
yelled,
Cant you do something?
Loki tilted his head.
Why would I? Besides, hes already gone I cant bring people back.
Jen stepped between us and Zac.
Whos next? She asked, not the least bit shaken about Zacs death.
I reached behind my back and Anna handed me her knife. Jen wiped the blood from her
blade the pointed it at me. Before me or Jen could move we heard a whooshing sound like what
Lokis mini portals make. Loki had opened the gateway while Thor was in shock about his sons
sudden death. Thor leaped forward and tried to shut it down before the frost giants got through.
Only four made it into Asgard but when they had ice and we only had a few daggers, the
odds were not good. They ran by Loki and Thor and went straight behind Jen. She extended her
arms and said,
This is only a little bit of what we can do. What can you do?
With the anger at Jen and the grief of Zacs passing, I came to be aware of a greater
power inside me. I curled by hand into a fist and a line of bright blue ice shot out from where I
stood and ended with a spike, inches from Jens face. She smiled. This was it. I had to pick a
side and I chose the side of life. If I went with Loki and he won then everyone would die. If I
went with Thor and we won, we could save tons of lives. So I went with the people who have
always been there for me, who would die for me, and who I would die for. I went with my true
family.

I love being a frost giant. Being able to throw ice at monsters and control snow. It really
came in handy. Ana and Gabe had taken care of one frost giant already and I was fighting Jen.
Thor and Loki were on the platform, where the key was to open the portal.
The odds were still not in our favour and in the midst of their fight, Thor and Loki hit the
key and the portal opened again. This time a swarm of shadow elves came pouring through. My
guess would be that after the four giants got through the elves were mad so they wanted to be
first in line incase the gateway opened again. There must have been at least thirty of them and
one just happened to be the leader, Kadir. Thor and Loki started to back down the steps then
broke into a full on sprint. They grabbed us and ran out onto the bi-frost. I didnt understand why
Loki was running scared, he said that these things obeyed him. Thor must have been thinking
the same thing because he started yelling at Loki, telling him to call off the army. Loki swallowed
hard.
I cant. They only joined me because I told them I could get them into Asgard. Well,
they didnt even really join me. More like they recruited me. I dont have any control over them.
Thor was about to yell again but Loki cut him off.
No! You dont get to give me trouble. Not right now anyway because right now we are
both in danger and so are the kids.
Thor turned away from him and spun his hammer.
Let smash em then.
Loki smiled back then, together, they started the battle against the shadow elves. Not
wanting to miss this fight, Anna, Gabe, Jen and me spread out on the rest of the bi-frost and
started to help. I didnt know how we were going to win but even if we didnt, at least we could
go down swinging.

We dont actually make that bad of a team. Jen, Loki, Thor and me stood in the front
because we had magic while Anna and Gabe took down the ones that got by. None were getting
very far on the bi-frost but suddenly they all stopped fighting and fell back behind Kadir. Kadir
yelled something in a weird language. Thor and Loki, both understood it but Thor turned to Loki,
expecting him to answer. Loki hesitated, whispered something to Thor, then he shouted back at
Kadir. What ever Loki said must have really upset the king of the elves. Loki whipped around to
face us.
Whatever happens do not go near Kadir, he will kill you. I can stop the shadow elves.
If Kadir dies they will panic and retreat.
Gabe shook his head.
You can't kill a shadow elf here. They can only die by a silver blade and we don't have
one.
Loki looked at Thor.
There is one other way
He paused and turned to me and Jen. My heart started to race. The ever raging flame in
his eyes had calmed.
Jen, the frost giants will take you home when this is all over. And Chris.

I lowered my head.
Dont stop fighting for anyone.
He started forward and I called out after him.
What are you doing?
Loki turned and whispered,
I made a mistake that I now have to fix. Im sorry Chris.
He turned back around and ran at Kadir. Loki grabbed Kadir staff and used it to swing
him away from the rest of the shadow elves. The elves froze as they watched their leader
weaken in his fight. Using his magic, Loki had enough strength the send Kadir off the edge of
the bi-frost. But Kadir pulled Loki with him. They both went tumbling off the bi-frost and started
to fall. I ran to the edge and all I could do was watch my father fall in an abyss to save us and
the rest of Asgard from the shadow elves. He just fell and he would continue to fall until the end
of time.
He was right though about the elves retreating back to Nidavellir. Jen followed them until
they reached the end of the bi-frost. One of the frost giants lead her to the open portal to
Jotunheim. She glanced back at me, tears welling in her eyes and I nodded for her to go with
the giants. She accepted that they were her family so she should be with who she trusts. And I
went with who I trusted. Thor, Anna and Gabe. The people who stuck beside me even when I
left them.

When we got back to the castel Thor went to explain everything to the alfather and I
slipped away to be on my own. The only place I could think of where their would be no guards
was Lokis old room. I laid on the bed and stared at the ceiling. He was gone and there was
nothing that could be done. I couldn't have saved him but I feel like I should have tried harder to
stop him.
The door creaked opened and I sat up as Anna walked across the room to sit by me.
Im sorry. She whispered to me.
I didnt answer and she sighed.
You know, he did the right thing. With Kadir gone the shadow elves will need a couple
of years, minimum, to get back on their feet. It will give us time to prepare. He did it to save you
Chris, to save everyone in the nine realms.
I rested my head in my hands and muttered,
He should have told me what he was going to do. I could have helped and he wouldnt
have had to die.
Anna yanked my shoulder back, forcing me to look at her.
Listen to me. She said sternly. Loki died a hero. If he had lived he would have been
thrown back into the prison as a criminal. This may not be the easiest thing for you or Jen but
its the best thing for the rest of the realms and him. Your dad is a hero Chris. So remember him
as one.
She gave me a hug then walked out, shutting the door softly behind her. Once she had
gone I stood up and glanced out the window. I let my gaze wander along the bi-frost and around

the kingdom. I smiled. Without my father this amazing place would be nothing more than ash
and dust. The people would be suffering under the wrath of Kadir and the shadow elves.

The end of this story brings us to today, three days after the fight. Jen is safe in
Jotunheim with her family and here, we are repairing the gateway. Thor, Anna, Gabe and I are
still shaken about Zac and Loki but with each others help, we are getting better. Anna was right
about Loki. His name has been cleared. Hes a hero now, not a criminal. And Zac is also a hero.
He gave up his life trying to help someone he loved and if that doesnt make him a hero, I dont
know what does. Every night I still hope that maybe my father didnt die. I know there was no
way to bring Zac back but maybe, just maybe, there is a chance that Loki made it. So for now,
Ill keep moving forward. Ill stay hopeful but I wont put my life on pause waiting for something
that may never happen. After all, Im a prince of Asgard now and I have a lot more fights to look
forward to.