"What do you say?" Neith asked, a crazy glint in her eyes and a look that screamed trouble.

I groaned softly, cursing my fate. Like c'mon guys, I need a break!

B-R-E-A-K!

Thankfully, Sif found her voice before I did.

"If you want to fight, I'm here Lady Neith. Why trouble someone who's tired?" Sif stepped forward, her sword drawn out.

Neith shook her head, her eyes never leaving mine as I squirmed under her gaze. "You're the Goddess of War afterall, Sif." She said, smiling too sweetly. "And maybe a fight with me will help improve her skills."

Oh God! Please!

"But I don't-"
"Why don't we just listen to what she has to say, Sif?" Neith interrupted her and they both looked at me.

I shrugged. "Look Neith, I'm really glad that you want to fight with me but sorry, I can't. I need a good bath and some pies. So, wait till tomorrow. Care to join me Sif?" Sif nodded and as I tried to walk past Neith, her sword was pressed flat on my armoured chest.

She clicked her tongue as I met her challenging eyes. "Are you scared that I'll hurt you, Midgardian?" She mocked and my hands itched to punch her face in.

Ignoring the urge to spit at her face, I smiled. "Do I look like I'm about to piss my pants, bitch? You need specs. And talk about hurting me, you don't look like you're about to give me a cupcake and send me to a merry go ride." I knew I had ticked her further off but it felt so good.

You can't blame me for behaving like a bad bitch, right? Afterall it's needed to be a bitch to fight with another one.

But wait... I'm a Cat. Okay whatever...

Seriously, I need to mature up.

And then, she smiled and I knew at once that she's about to play her worse.

"I challenge you to a fight with me, Midgardian or just kneel down and accept defeat." She crowed.

I frowned. "The fuck did you mean by accept defeat and kneel! When I told you that I'll fight you tomorrow, which fucking part you didn't understand?" I barked, annoyed at her annoying smirk. "And why the hell is your ass itching so much to fight me? If you're here for your brother," I stepped up. ",he deserved that death as do you too."

And I don't know I regret saying the last part or not but I knew that I had started the game.

With a snarl, her sword hit my arm with a loud clang as I jumped back with a surprised yelp.

"What the fuck!? Okay! Let me get ready first, you crazy bat!" I yelled, thanking God as I was wearing my armour. But she striked again.

"Talking about deserve, huh? You deserve nothing!" She spat, readying her sword for one more hit when Sif's sword clashed with her.

"Stay back Lady Neith! You can't hurt her for she's under my protection." Sif claimed, pointing the sword tip at Neith while I quickly gathered my katanas.

Neith sneered at us. "Protection!? That useless mortal deserves nothing! Not even my spit! She's a filth!" And that made my anger rile up.

"Shut your hole, miss! Use your tongue wisely or you won't have it." I retorted back, the hilt of the katanas in my hands, ready to attack.

She snickered. "Quite a mouth you have! But you're a coward, hiding behind everyone like some rat!"

I stepped up, ignoring Sif. I knew that Neith was provoking me but I was not the one to easily digest the insults she was throwing at me. I would better die than be insulted.

"Come forward, bitch." I growled, ignoring the pain in my joints. A fight after four hours of vigorous training was the last thing I was looking forward to but if it's needed, I'm ready.

Neith smirked.

"Rose, don't act stupid. You're just a beginner and she knows how to wield sword well. On top of that, you're tired! Leave it!" Sif yelled at me but I didn't budge.

I knew I was being stupid.

I knew I was digging my own grave.

But backing away? And that too from Loki's ex? Pfft...no. I can't let my ego hurt.

Neith was faster than I had expected.

Her sword almost hit my head but luckily, I was quick enough to dodge it. I tried my best to hit her but all I could do was dodge and deflect her attacks. She was too good.

Gradually, I was gaining confidence but just when I thought I could defeat her, a hard kick landed on my stomach. The force sent me flying to a good distance. I grabbed at my side and wheezed.

Air has been knocked out of me. My lungs felt like they were going to burst. My head spinned and each of my muscles were on fire.

I felt like shit.

I could hear Sif calling my name but I couldn't focus on it. I was feeling so hot and sick and the heavy metal armour added to my woes. I sputtered out sand and a bit of blood too.

Jesus, I can't die like this. Not at this bitch's hands.

"Look at yourself." Neith scoffed, her shadow landing on me. "This is where you should be. But I'm generous enough to ease your death if you say good about me and apologize. So?"

I groaned, trying to form words.

She laughed and leaned down a bit. "I couldn't hear you. A bit louder."

"Well..." I grinned up at her, squinting at the sunlight. " You look like a box. Small boobs and flat ass- Aargh!"

She kicked my side, scowling and looked horribly offended. "That's not true! You slut!" And I would have been satisfied and happy with her reaction if she hadn't stomped on my already raw fingers with her boot.

I cried out loudly in pain as the white bandages turned bright red.

"ROSE!!" Sif screamed, horrified and was about to reach me when Neith stopped her. "What do you think you are doing, Sif?" She asked, frowning.

"She's injured! Stop the fight right now!" She yelled but Neith shook her head.

"Don't break the rules, Sif. Until and unless, the Midgardian admits her defeat, you can't help her." She said, her voice feigning innocence.

I tried to yell curses that would have earned me long lectures from Steve but all that came out was chocked cries of pain. The pain was excruciating. Too painful.

"Rose, give up! Please!" Sif yelled, pleadingly. "Stop this stupidity!"

"Oh yes! Stop this stupidity, mortal. Run for cover." Neith mocked in a sing song manner as I rolled on my back, the harsh sunlight piercing my eyes. "Spread out your legs for men for it's the only thing you're good at, not fighting."

My heart skipped a few painful beats as the unbearable pain in my fingers went numb. The only thing I could think about was the last line Neith said.

Spread out your legs for men for it's the only thing you're good at, not fighting.

Something stirred inside me. It was clawing my sanity, urging me to unleash it. A growl, just like some beast, erupted from my throat as my vision blurred and sharpened.

Something was wrong with me but at this moment, all I could focus on was the woman standing beside me, hovering over my unresponsive body.

"What did you say?" The words left my mouth on their own.

Neith flashed a cruel smile. "You're a whore." She started, her voice high and loud, as if announcing. "Such a shameless slut who gave up her virginity at the age of twelve!"

I heard Sif gasp and mumble something but I remained silent, waiting to hear more as something continued to lurch and snarl inside me, trying to come out.

"You lost counting at thirtieth time... I've never seen such a big disgusting whore like you! You're a disgrace!" She spat. "I bet you enjoyed it and then hooked my Loki up, trapping him in your webs of fake love. Because all that matters to you is warm beds and-"

She stopped when I stood up, swaying slightly before regaining my balance.

"If I were you..." I croaked out. "...I would have stopped talking." My vision was sharpening and then again blurring. My head was thudding. It felt like I was losing my control over my own body.

She ignored me. "You're so messed up, Midgardian. A messed up past. A messed up family. Your own father killed your mother brutally and then tortured you like some animal. If I were you, I would have ended my pathetic life."

I whimpered in pain, clutching my head tightly as the world spinned.
"Stop it. You know nothing about me." I wheezed.

"Aw no! I can't stop now... not just when I had started breaking you." She chimed. "And you say I don't know about you? Then answer me, how do you think I know about your parentage and you being a whore who has been bedded by more than fifty times in her whole nineteen years?"

I blinked, looking up at her, confused and alerted. She's right! No one except for Loki and Thor knows about it, then...how?

She laughed. "Has no one warned you not to touch me?"

And then it all made sense as the harsh realisation dawned on me.

"How can your whore of a mother teach you when she's already killed by your crazy father?"  The words Tybalt had spat out last night.

"Don't allow Neith to touch you. She should not touch you."
"Why?"
"She's a sort of seer. She has power to see your future and past too. Mostly the past. She's a manipulative woman. It's better to be safe than sorry. So don't. Allow her. To touch. You." Loki had warned me, the night I met her.

"C'mon Midgardian. I won't hurt you." Neith had offered me her hand that day when I had crashed into her and fell down. It wasn't an accident. It was planned.

Rage bubbled inside me. I was tricked. Again.

I'm stupid. I'm stupid. I'm fucking stupid!

I growled, picking up my katana. My knees bended for a possible attack.

I knew someone was going to collapse today. It would be either me or she.

"ROSE! STOP!"

Loki.

I whipped my head around to find him looking at me, pleadingly. "Stop it Rose! Drop your weapon." He started coming near us when I growled at him.

My control is slipping away from my grip.

"Stay back." I myself was shocked at how animalistic my voice sounded, as if lapped with some beastly grunt.

I saw his eyes widen with fear. "Rose calm down... Come-"

Fuck no.

"STAY BACK!" I barked like some wild animal, now ready to tear him apart if needed. I felt no regret when a hurt look crossed his face.

I fought to hold the beast back but it was stronger.

Thor pulled Loki back.

Neith grinned. "Let's start this game, whore."

I snarled, baring out my canines. I was loosing control, fast. My vision continued to sharpen and zoom in. 

"Wrong. The game has already started Neith... Let's end this game."

And then suddenly, my senses heightened and the world around me became black.

▼△▼△▼ △▼△▼△ ▼△▼△▼

Loki POV

I didn't know what to do now.

Her eyes were flickering between her beautiful aqua-violet and deadly dark blue. She was trying to fight against her control.

I wanted the fight to stop. I wanted Rose safe. I wanted to jump in between them but I knew that it was dangerous for me to do so.

Because the woman whom I want to save is not my Rose anymore.

The way she barked at me.

The crazy warning look she shot me meant one thing.

Her beast is about to be unleashed.

And her prey is the one who triggered her: Neith.

The mischevious and carefree part of mine wanted me to sit back relaxed and enjoy the fight because I knew, no matter how much Neith is good with swords she won't stand a chance against my pretty beasty Kitty.

But the protective part of mine was worried. Dead worried about her because she looked tired. Her blood coated bandages around the fingers was making my heart squeeze.

But as usual, my mischievous part won.

I should have some faith on my girl, right?

Afterall, she's good at kicking ass.

I looked around me to find everyone tensed and worried except for Thor who was standing beside me, leaning against a pillar and enjoying the scene with an excited look.

Look, I'm not alone in this case.

And then, Pud's eyes settled on the dark blue. No more flickering. She looked at ease.

Finally.... The beast mode is on.

The women in armours lunged at each other with a shrill battle cry, their blades clashing with a loud clink.

Neith kept attacking and Rose kept dodging the blows. I couldn't help but cringe at each loud clangs. I wanted the battle to be short. Rose could just knock her out and then we can cuddle with each other in bed.

"Do you think it's good for her to get all wild and beastly for two days straight?" Thor asked, nudging me. Worry settled down in my heart again. He was right.

"I don't know." I replied. "Let's hope for the best, brother." He nodded.
"Yes. Let's hope for the best."

Thor looked around. "I can't see father or mother anywhere..." He mused. I chuckled softly. "Just wait for the fight to reach it's peak, Allfather would surely jump in here to yell and shout. He always makes a late but grand entry." I joked and Thor snickered.

"Why don't you start calling him father, Loki? Just like you call me brother." Thor asked and my cheery mood vanished.

"I can't." I clipped bitterly. He sighed. "You know that he loves you brother, just like I and mother do. Just give him a-"
"Let's not talk about it, Thor." I cut him off with a sharp tone and he fell quite before sighing again.

"Very well then. Keep up with that-" This time he got interrupted by a loud thud. We turned towards the training ground to find Neith sprawled on the ground, groaning and clutching her left shoulder while Rose...oh no!

Her eyes looked bigger with dilated pupils as her glinting canines were bared out in a crazy snarl. The only thing she wasn't doing like some mad beast was foaming from mouth.

And the look. Oh my goodness! I knew that look well.

She's going to kill Neith. She's going to tear her apart!

And the last thing I needed was my home people thinking my soulmate some wild dangerous animal needed to be leashed.

As if Thor knew what I was thinking, he leaped into the ground, hands up as Rose snapped her fiery gaze at him.

"Sister dear. Stop it now. Control yourself. This isn't you." He tried in a soft voice as she continued to glare at him, confused, her head tilted to the side.

"Loki! What is wrong with her?!" Sif yelled and I turned to find the warrior three with her. "Just stay quiet. Nothing is wrong-"

Thor was thrown away with an orange blast.

I gulped when Sif shrieked. "Well...now it's wrong."

I jumped in the site and was rewarded with the same pissed off glare. I managed a smile.

"Heya darling! Missed me?" She growled in reply.

I chuckled. "I know I know... You missed me too. Look sweetheart, I love that you won the fight but let's not make it more complicated. Just calm down and then we can cuddle together and have a nice nap. What do you say, Love?"

"Aw Loki!" Neith cooed and I felt like vomiting. "You came to save me! I knew it!"

Seriously, this bitch. Why am I even stopping Rose from eating her alive?

I ignored her and turned my attention back to Rose who looked a bit calmer now. The arena was silent, watching us with bated breathe.

Taking this as a good sign, I stepped forward extending my hands towards her. "Come on sweetheart. Come to me." She stared at my hand and then back to my face. I grinned but that dropped when she growled.

And the next thing I knew was that I was laying beside Thor on the ground, groaning.

"I hit my back hard. You?" Thor asked, wincing.

I flinched. "I can't feel my ass."

"ROSE! OH MY GOD!" Collective gasps were heard as we turned to find Rose glowing bright orange. Sif and the warriors three were shocked as were the other people in the arena.

My heart started drumming hard and fast.

The last time she used this power... Oh god no...

Neith was lifted up from the ground and was hung up in the air.

"PUT ME DOWN, YOU WITCH!" She screamed, fear evident in her face. Rose smiled. A genuine amused smile.

"You spilled my secrets. Now it's your turn." Rose claimed, her voice clear and loud, without any hint of growls.

"WHAT IS GOING ON HERE!?" Oh! Here comes Allfather.

I scoffed despite of the pain and Thor rolled his eyes, pulling me up.
"I told you he'll make a late yet grand entry." I snickered and Thor shook his head. "No joking right now, brother."

"Rosabelle! I order you to put her down! You did enough by killing her brother!" He yelled and I had to resist my urge to scoff and snort and laugh all together.

Who the hell made him the King?

"Father!" Thor stepped up. "Wait for some time." Odin was about to say something when he was cut off by a scream from Neith.

She was withering in pain as Rose sucked out her energy.

"How did your parents die?" Rose asked calmly.

Oh my! I'm going to enjoy it now.

Neith didn't reply her but screamed again for help, urging Odin to send help.

"Why did you want to marry Loki?" Rose asked next, surprising me. I think I knew the answer. Neith loved me, right? She said that she killed her parents for me...

"Stop with your games Midgardian! I'm not gonna answer you. Kill me if you want!" Neith shrieked and I saw a annoyed look cross Rose's face. And then, she smiled again.

"You know... I lied about you looking like a box. I admit that you're beautiful. Very beautiful." Rose complimented, stepping forward. I was confused.

What is she trying to do now?

"I know that, bitch!" Neith snapped and Rose grinned.

"And the most important thing for a very beautiful woman is her face, right?" She cocked her head as an evil glint flashed in her eyes.

Oh I love her so much!

She's smart!

She flashed her right palm and to my utter surprise, claws tore out from the bandages. They looked sharper, stronger and a bit curved. Like steel.

They grew so fast!

"I won't kill you. How about mauling your face?" Rose offered and Neith gawked at her glinting claws. "I'll tear out your skin, dig deeper into the pink flesh and then enjoy your warm blood in my hands...how about that Neith?"

My stomach lurched. Is she really going to do that? That would be a bad idea, Rose. A very bad idea.

Neith shrieked loudly when Rose placed her tip of the nail on her cheek, puncturing into the skin but not so deep to draw out blood.

Neith whispered something to which Rose laughed and pressed the tip further. Blood made appearance.

Neith squeaked and whispered something again. "LOUDER!" Rose shouted.

"I killed my parents!" Neith claimed and a wave of hushed murmur passed in the arena. "What?" Odin asked, unable to believe and I resisted the urge to snicker. Thor looked at me. "You knew?" He asked. I nodded.

"Good. And why did you want to marry Loki?"

"For power! For wealth and power! Let me go now please!" She begged and I felt the ground beneath me slide away.

I shouldn't be shocked but I was. Why hadn't I thought about it before?

I felt my legs carrying me towards the women.

"You're so pathetic, you rotten quim." I spat, fury bubbling inside me.

She scowled at me and whispered. "Me? Pathetic? You're pathetic, you Jotun! Who the hell can love a monster like-"

"ENOUGH!" Rose growled loudly and smashed the woman on the ground, hard. And again she smashed. And again. And again. And again till her own powers started wearing out.

Neith lay in a bloody pool, twitching while Rose collapsed on the ground. I rushed to her side and took her unresponsive body in my arms.

Odin ordered guards to take away Neith, first to the infirmary and then to dungeon.

For the first time in my life, I didn't feel bad after those insults.

Why?

I don't know.

Maybe I was numb now.

Whatever it is, I don't care. It is sometimes the best to ignore shits.

"Is she needed to be taken to the healing room?" I looked back to find Sif, Thor and Warriors three standing behind me with Odin. I nodded.

Thor carried her in his arms and we followed behind. Hushed whispers could be heard everywhere.

"She's indeed a warrior." Odin spoke up surprising me. "You got a good girl. A jewel. Preserve her son." I blinked, taken aback.

"Yes fa-... Allfather" I nodded.

▼△▼△▼ △▼△▼△ ▼△▼△▼

Rose winced when Sif applied the healing paste on her cuts scattered all over her arms and face.

They were silent.

And the silence was too uncomfortable.

They wanted to break it but couldn't find the right words to start a suitable conversation.

Rose was embarrassed and felt awkward because Sif now knew about her dark unsettling past.

Sif was concerned and yes... awkward too, unaware how to confront her.

And at last, they had enough.

"Rose?"
"Sif?"

They stopped and then again sighed together. Sif raised her hand and signed Rose to speak first. Rose nodded.

"I'm sorry I hid the truth from you all... I know I am a disgrace and now when you know about it, if you want to loathe me or-"

"Alright stop here." Sif spoke up. "I'm not going to loathe you. No one is going to do so, if they value their lives." Rose looked up at her, confused.
"But why?"

"Why why? Oh Rose! I saw the way your face turned to one of pain and horror when Neith started spilling out your past. If you had enjoyed those things, you wouldn't have cringed like that. And speaking of hiding the truth, then it's alright." Sif patted her head. "It's a fact that no one would brag about unnecessarily."

Rose smiled slightly and sighed, ducking her head down. "Thank you for understanding me, Sif. Really, thanks a lot." Sif smiled. "Oh it's nothing dear. Loki knows about it?"

Rose nodded. "Yes... Thor does too for a long time now. It's surprising that being the Princes of Asgard, they supported and loved some whore like me."
"You aren't a whore, Rose. You're far from that word. Stop lowing yourself like that." Sif chided her. Rose stayed silent.

"And are you sure she's... alive?" She asked next and Sif nodded.

"Yeah, sadly yes. She deserves death. Her parents were so good, Rose. Lord and Lady, they were so kind and friendly." Sif sighed sadly. "It came like a blow when we came to know that those godly couple were murdered by their own children. They never deserved it."

Rose nodded. "I'm sure they never did. Neith and Tybalt gave up the treasure that I craved the most my whole life. A loving parents. Fie..."
"Fie..." Sif repeated and then tried unwrap the bandage around her fingers, coated with dried blood when Rose stopped her.

"Don't. Please."

Sif was about to complain when Thor and Loki entered the room.

"Look who's awake! Hola sister!" Thor greeted with a wide smile and Rose returned with a weak one. Thor kissed her forehead and then stepped side for Loki who sat beside her.

"How are you doing, Love?" He asked, skimming his thumb over her bruised jaw. She nodded. "I'm fine, baby."

Sif cleared her throat, catching their attention. "I should move now." She placed the bowl of herbal paste and sent a warm smile to Rose. "We will talk later. Rest." And to the boys, especially Loki, she glared. "Take care of her."

They nodded quickly. "Sure."

Once she was gone, Loki kissed her tenderly on her lips, trying not to hurt her lips. "You got hurt again." Rose smiled. "I finished the game. No more dramas."

"Are your wounds healing sister?" Thor asked, pointing to the green paste on her temple and arms. Rose nodded, wincing. "Yeah...they are better. My fingers are worse."

"You grew your claws again...then?" Loki asked, taking her left hand in his and Rose protracted her claws. "Woah!" The brothers exclaimed together making her blush.

"They look awesome!" Loki breathed out, tracing the long and slightly curved nails. The slight greyish tint gave a metallic look to them.

Rose placed the tips of her nails on the wooden table, near her bed and dragged them down with a sharp shrieky noise. The splinters and wooden chips dropped to the ground as the men gawked at the deep clawed marks with astonishment.

"Wooah!!" They exclaimed again and she laughed. "They are even better than before." She said, kissing her claws.

"And what about the other hand?" Thor asked and Loki looked down at the dried bloody bandage. Rose sighed heavily. "Neith stomped on them causing much more damage. It'll take a bit more time."

The men sighed angrily. Rose patted their shoulders. "It's okay, chicken nuggets. All is over now. Chill. Is there something you want to say? I'm bored."

"Mother came?" Loki asked. Rose nodded with a smile. "Yes. She was the first face I saw after waking up. She looked so proud of me that I freaked out." They laughed.

"There's two things we need to inform you." Thor started.

"What? Is it good?"

"The first one is good. But the second one depends on you." Loki replied, kissing her cheek.

"Spill it then!"

"Yev and Yeona have a little sister now." Thor said and Rose beamed.

"OMG! Aww! I wanna meet her! When?"

"Two days before. The night of Ball."

"And the second?"

Thor and Loki looked at each other before facing her. "It's about you. I found out something... It's a theory and maybe-" Loki blabbered and Rose stopped him.

"What is it?"

"It's about K-74. It's you but not you. Am I making any sense?" Loki asked.

Rose stared at him, her features unreadable.

"No."

Dun! Dun! Dun! Enjoy yourself munchkins and don't forget to vote and comment!!!

God! Just two or three chapters now...

Confused?

Wait for the next author's note in the next chapter!

Ehehehehe! Bu-Bye caramel poppies!! Take care!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️😘😘