I know chapters are painfully slow as is but I have hit a bit of a block with this and the next chapter just isn't working as I'd like. So I have decided to take a bit of a break for the time being and will start updates again sometime after the new year. Sorry about that. And sorry about the cliffy I'm leaving you all with.

"Be careful." Charles's parting words echoed in Bruce's head. Loki had been wary and a little reluctant but he had agreed to let the founding X-man to see him a second time. On the condition that Bruce stay with them and the session ended the moment Loki chose it to. It as good, it was progress, it meant Loki was willing to chance seeking proper help. Bad news however was it had been almost three days since finding out about the damage the cuffs were doing to Loki and Thor had still not returned. Bruce couldn't help but start to worry and hearing Professor Xavier's warning didn't help any.

"The boy is forming an attachment to you that could become dangerous if not handled right. He is fragile and unstable though you are aware of this, I just thought I should warn you, let you know it is there. Loki himself does not yet recognise the emotional bond that is gradually latching on to you. He has a primal and child like need for approval and reassurance from another, especially that of a parent or guardian type authoritative figure and he is beginning to project that onto you.

I sense inside him a deeply in built sense of unworth and a desperate desire of validation. He attempted to wipe out an entire race to prove his worth and Loyalty in a twisted attempt to gain approval of the father who raised him, even going so far as to kill his father by blood. He then led an army to earth seeking the validation of the next authoritative figure to take him under his wing." The man had warned before going on to say.

"His mind sees ration and reason in each of these acts as twisted as that seems, making it harder to process when everyone else sees only fault. He can understand on some level that what he has done is wrong and horrible but the part of his mind that rationalises it and finds logic in his actions refuses to let him feel as though he is solely at fault or to blame for his actions. You said his brother told you Loki was about the asgardian equivalent of a seventeen year old, yet as intelligent as he is his brain developments is that of one a little younger.

Just be warned, though neither of you may have realised every thing you say to him every action is having effect."

So yeah no pressure, right. So basically he could be screwing the young asgardian up even more than he feared he may be. Though Xavier did seem to think he was actually doing a pretty decent job.

"So, does that mean bag full of cats is imprinting on you." Tony laughed ever so helpfully from his side.

"A temporary shift of attachment while his brother is away." Bruce replied, giving Stark a shove. "I hope."

"You think it could be because he is one of those frost guy's, you know that whole brain development thing." Tony mused taking a slightly more serious tone. "You know, like perhaps these Jotun people or whatever they are mature at a different pace to other races? So even though he is the Asgardian equivalent of seventeen his brain simply isn't developed to the same point as the other Asgardians his age."

That was actually a good question, Bruce thought. "For example an Asgardian might be considered mature by the age equivalent of twenty or twenty one but a Jotun may not reach maturity until twenty five or something."

"Exactly, just like different dog breeds reach maturity at different stages." Tony enthused as he poured himself another drink offering to refill his friend's no quite finished drink only to be turned down. He hadn't thought the man would accept the refill, Bruce never seemed to drink more than one glass and even that was only on occasion. He still hoped he could fix that sooner or later, he was curious what a drunk Bruce was like.

"To think all this chaos and distraction resulted simply because daddy didn't love him enough. I thought my parents lack of attention messed me up, but thinking killing your birth father necessary to gain you're adopted father's love, that's messed up." Tony exhaled heavily as he slumped back in his stool.

"I don't know Thor for the most part seems to think his father is a good man, so we shouldn't just assume his father didn't love Loki. Perhaps he simply expressed it poorly or didn't get to spend as much time with him as needed. He is a king after all, I'm sure he has a quite a lot on his plate most days. Thor's people tend to favour brawn over brains, Loki probably felt in adequate from the get go which can't have made things easy. And I'm sure there is a lot more than a lack of love that led to his current state." Bruce countered, he didn't feel right just accusing the man of bad parenting when they'd never even met the guy. Besides up until Thor had returned with his brother two months back Thor seemed only to speak highly of the man. Though in hearing his father state he wanted Loki executed seemed to rattle that opinion though Bruce had agreed that it was likely just spoken in anger and once the man calmed down he would see the error in his words.

Vision who up until then had remained quiet, distracted with what ever it was he and Wanda were messaging each other about. The two had finally managed to make up, no doubt with the help of Steve playing mediator and apparently Clint had spoken withe her too. Teen drama, one of the down sides of having someone so young on the team. Though Bruce couldn't really blame her for being so upset, after all the whole Ultron tragedy and then the mess that split the team, things hadn't exactly been easy for her. Voiced his own thoughts on the topic.

"Perhaps it was just lack of knowledge or understand, Loki is a different race or species completely to his family and those around him is he not. Perhaps there a cultural differences that were mistakenly or unknowingly overlooked. Loki's kind might raise or treat their young differently or have certain needs Thor's people do not have."

"You know that's actually pretty smart thinking. If Thor would hurry up and drag his long golden locks back here we could try and find out a bit more about Loki's birth people." Tony snorted. " Seriously I wasn't expecting him to be gone this long. I can't really blame Loki for thinking he's ditched him, an expected return date would have been nice.

"I'm sure he is just caught up in something important." Bruce said. Or at least Bruce thought, he had better be.

"Again I feel I must warn you I do not feel this is very wise. Not to mention you have left Asgard under the protection and guidance of the Warriors three." Sif stated bluntly, voice raised to be heard over the top of the howling winter winds.

"I need to speak with the Jotnar, besides Loki seemed to fair well enough on the throne in his unstable state, I'm sure those three can manage to keep peace for a day or so." Thor insisted, though seeing the woman's challenging raised brow he added. "Well Hogun at least has enough sense to keep things from fall apart."

The two travelled across the snow covered plain and around the gaping hole left by the Bifrost's beam as they headed for the Jotun palace. The cold wind flipping their cloak all about as they passed the edge of the hole in the realms surface.

"Your desire to speak with them does not mean the Jotnar will wish to speak with us." Sif pointed out, looking around them to try and spot any jotnar that may be watching them. Not that they had managed to spot any of the frost giants the last time they had been on the realm yet they had soon been surrounded, so she knew even though she could see none that they were watching.

"Loki initiated a new peace treaty with the Jotnar when he returned to them the Casket, they have no reason for hostilities that might threaten that treaty." Thor said, signalling for her to hurry as they neared the rebuilt palace.

It was no longer a crumbling throne on top of decaying ice pillars that had once been palace walls, the dark and eerie crumbling structure now replaced with glittering ice pillars and walls. There was still no sign of the natives as they ascended the frozen staircase which lead to the throne, though they could both feel the eyes upon them.

"I have come seeking audience with your King." Thor called, his words echoing off the seemingly empty amphitheatre.

"If you have come seeking to retake the casket Prince, you can leave. It will not be taken off us on the whim off a changed mind." A voice called back, youthful, strong and proud.

"I have not come for the casket." Thor assured, as a tall lean Jotun with white hair pulled back in a short braid stepped into view eyeing him off before taking his place on the throne.

"Or has your father decided to back out of the new trade agreement between our realms, perhaps he did not like the agreements you signed off on?" The new King questioned as several guard stepped out standing guard around the amphitheatre walls.

"No. I have not come looking to back out on any agreements made between the realms, I'm not here looking for trouble." Thor offered, unlike the last time he had stepped foot upon their realm this time he really was only looking to talk.

"No I doubt the Allfather's Pride would not allow him to try and abolish the treaties signed off on now. Norns forbid any should question his decisions and inconsistent actions, no he would rather play along until he can find plausible reason to cut ties or demand back the casket." The Jotun King smirked down at him, "Assuming it was indeed the Allfather who handed the casket back."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Thor snapped back, trying to ignore the concerned look Sif sent his way at the Jotun's last statement. He let out a deep breath through his nose determined not to let the frost giant rile him up.

"It wasn't was it? I knew it! Your friends face gives it away." The Jotun laughed, the sound echoing around them.

"Helblindi, enough." A second voice boomed as another Jotun stepped out of the shadows and towards the younger Jotun in the throne. "Do not try and cause unnecessary trouble."

This Jotun was broad chested and built like an oxen, the thick gold ring in his nose rather fitting, he like all Jotun he had seen in the ice realm before now had no hair. Like the other in the throne this one wore gold embellishments on his amour, his bare chest revealing a large scar from just under his left arm to his right collarbone.

"Aww, come now brother it's just a bit of fun. You and I both know that was not Odin who handed over the casket, greedy old one-eye would never have returned such power. You saw the girls face did you not, she knows." Helblindi chuckled, giving his brother a cheeky grin.

"Now is not the time." The older admonished before turning his attention to their guests.

"I am Byleistr Jotunheim's current ruler, may I enquirer as to the nature of your visit Odinson?"

"I came hoping to ask question's of..." Thor started only to stop as he watched Helblindi too fall quiet, eager to hear his reply. It was likely unwise to speak of the Jotun prince's recent battle with illness whilst he was present and listening, he knew for a fact Loki often riled up when he was spoken of as if he were not present. "I would rather speak with the King in private."

"Helblindi will soon rule by my side, what ever it is you have to speak of to me, you can speak in front of him." The Jotun King insisted, crossing his arms over his chest as he look down at them.

"I would rather not. The topic of which I'd like to speak may be upsetting." Thor pushed.

"I will not be coddled like a child, I will hear what you have to say." Helblindi snorted, annoyed that Asgard's prince wanted to exclude him from their conversation.

Byleistr didn't look any more ready to budge than the younger, though Thor really didn't want to ask about his bout of madness in front of him. The Jotun would likely be horrified if he knew an Asgardian knew of his illness, that's when an idea struck thinking back on how the Jotun had goaded for a response earlier to try and find an answer to his suspicions.

"Tell you what." He said directing his words to the younger Jotun as an idea struck. "If you let me speak with your brother in private I'll give you three questions and three guesses as to who it was that handed back the casket. But you only get three questions, so think on them and make them good. What say you?"

The Jotun seemed to ponder this for a moment before grinning slyly as he got to his feet. "I say you have yourself a deal."

"Thor." Sif hissed in warning. What was he doing giving the Jotun a chance to uncover the truth.

"Relax, I used to use this trick on Loki all the time to get rid of him when he was getting in the way when we were kids remember." Thor assured just as quietly, it always got him out of the room for a bit he was just too curious for his own good.

"Yeah, and he always had sneaky questions that pulled too much information and always guessed right in the end. Then you would have to lie and say his guesses were all wrong and he always saw straight through it." She hissed back under her breath. They had been forced to share far too many of their secrets with the little brat because of Thor's stupid game.

"Your friend is right to show concern Odinson, despite my brother's brutish love to run head long into a fight without thought, he can be quite cunning. Helblindi was blessed with both mother's intelligence and father's lust for battle, with my strength and build everyone had expected I'd be the blood seeking warrior. Haha, weren't they disappointed." Byleistr chuckled as he took to the throne, "Now what is it you wish to talk about?"

"I've heard your brother recently recovered from an illness that plagued his mind..."

"That is of no business of yours Asgardian." The Jotun snapped, before Thor could even finish what he had to say.

"Please, this type of illness is not common in Asgard or if it is none ever speak of it and our healers are not trained in this field. Please, I just have a few questions, you needn't answer any you feel are too personal." Thor pleaded.

He could listen for days trying to find an answer through the confusing terms and scholarly nonsense spewed from the mouths of professional healers of the ins and outs of what is supposedly coursing through his brother's mind. None of which would make any sense to him, nor help him grasp what his role in all of this should be - the down side of asking advice from healers, they just prattle on with their big words and confusing terms as they tried dumbing thing as much they could, more often than nought leaving him more confused or worried than ever - or he could attempt to seek advice from one who had gone through a similar situation with his own brother.

"This topic is not open for discussion, and lord Freyr whom I assume was the one who informed to you of this had no right to do so." Jotunheim's King growled.

"Let's just go Thor, he clearly does not want to speak of this." Sif insisted, giving her friends arm a gentle tug. In return the blonde pulled his arm from her grasp with a glare.

"I am not done."

"Yes you are. Now we are returning home before that temper of yours manages to make a mess of things." She spoke sternly, keeping her voice low to prevent Thor feeling as though she was trying to undermine him in front of the Jotnar.

Wow. She thought, now she knew exactly how Loki must have felt the last time they were on Jotunheim, trying to talk down the escalating accusations his brother was spitting at Laufey and attempting to get them out of the ice realm peacefully. A losing battle when Thor's anger could turn even the tiniest thing into a pure rage inflicting insult.

"Oh that is a brilliant idea." He hissed rounding on her, lips drawn back in a snarl. "Let's go back to Asgard and continue on as though everything is fine. Let's just ignore this and leave somebody else to try and fix things! Because ignoring Loki's issues and wellbeing has worked out so well for everyone, thus far hasn't it!"

"That is not what I was suggesting." The female warrior glared back, standing her ground. "But starting trouble simply because someone does not whish to speak of a touchy personal topic with you, which quite frankly you have no right to pry into in the first place, is not going to help anyone."

"You came to ask questions because of the King slayer?" The Jotun King questioned, his voice cutting over the two bickering Asgardians. "Do not tell me you came to seek more information on my brother's struggle so you may try and claim the same of that murderous retch to clear him of his crimes. Twice now I have heard it said that he has perished, do not tell me that creature has once again crawled back from whatever vile pit he originated from."

"I did not come here seeking a way to make your people feel pity for my brother." Thor bit back.

"Good for you will find none, now leave." Byleistr growled his guards all moving to ready themselves to fight should the need arise.

"Did your brother truly hate you, or was it merely by accident that you happened to be the one to be injured? I assume that scar on your chest was his doing, considering the way his eyes were drawn firstly to it before meeting your eyes when you first came out here."

"Thor! Can we not for once leave this realm without starting a war." Sif hissed in frustration and pure disbelief, before turning to the throne. "Sincerest apologises, it would seem my prince has not yet learnt when he should just shut his mouth. We will take our leave and we will not bother you again with this. Come on, Thor." She gave her princes's arm a tug this time not bothering with being gentle. He may be her prince but she had always considered him her friend first and she was never really one to get all awestruck or overly proper and polite around nobles and royalty. She paid the proper respects of course but they were still only people like everyone else underneath their titles and even royalty needed to be put in their place from time to time.

"Because the scar my brother gave me may only be small," Thor stated, hand moving to his abdomen as he completely ignored the woman who was now pulling on his arm with such vigour one would think she was looking to dislocate his shoulder. "But I think that is merely do to the fact he'd rather not dirty his own hands with my blood. He held no qualms with shattering my bones with the metal guardian that once guarded the place vault, nor sending me plummeting to my death in a large glass cage. No, it's just the doing so with his own hands he cannot handle though he is more than capable of spilling his own blood without so much as batting an eye.

He would rather destroy everyone and everything rather than face himself and there is nothing I can do to stop him. To help him. I cannot even get in the same room as him without sending him into a violent fit of anger and hatred. How am I to help him when my very presence could drive him into harming himself or someone I care about. I do not claim that what ever madness Loki is struggling with is anything like what your brother went through, for I do not know what it was he went through. And I do not expect you or your people to feel sorry for him nor to suddenly forgive him of his crimes against your people. I had simply hoped to find answers for myself, though I see now I am wasting my time and need to look elsewhere."

Byleistr looked down at him unmoved by Thor's words as Thor pulled his arm from his friend's hold, his features softened in defeat as he sent her a look promising he was finished here. That they would leave quietly and that yes he knew Loki would kill him for all he'd revealed to the giants. Frustrated to have come all this way for nothing.

"Very well I'll take my leave, but first would you please answer me this one question. Please. Did your brother ever even if only once, did your brother ever make an attempt on his own life? Because if he did then I can at least rest assured knowing there is even a sliver of hope that he can still be pulled from this." He couldn't stop the tears gathering in his eyes as much as he willed them not to but he would not let them fall not in front of the Jotnar.

When after a full minute he still received no answer nor sign that the King of the ice realm who continued his blank stare in their direction was willing to give one, he turned to leave. All hope of finding away he too could help his brother without making things worse diminishing, perhaps all he could do was stay away and pray his friends in New York could find away to help his brother. Or perhaps Loki was past the point of help and everyone was just humouring him so that he himself would not fall into despair.

"I did not. Though I came very close and I admit the thought had crossed my mind on more than one occasion." Helblindi's voice sounded, filling the air despite the softness in which he spoke. "I did not think things could ever get better, that I could ever get better. But I did. And I'm sure with enough time and support your brother could still pull himself from this."

The quick smile which flashed upon the Jotun prince's face looked more sad than reassuring but Thor was grateful for it none the less.

"So this is why you sent me from the room."

"You should not have been listening in, brother." Byleistr huffed, sending a pestered look towards his brother.

"And you should know me better than to think I wouldn't." The younger Jotun scoffed, a lopsided grin coming to his face as he turned back to Thor. "You seem ready to leave, a bit rude considering you promised me three questions."

"I have not forgotten and though you were eavesdropping when you shouldn't have been, you did answer my question for me. So ask away." Tho chuckled, Gods he missed doing this with his own brother. It had been far to long since he'd played this game with Loki, though it had been him who had out grown the game not his brother. At least he had thought he had, probably considered himself out grown many things before his brother was ready. Then again Loki had never really struck him as the type to truly out grow all childish things.

"Okay, so honestly it wasn't..." The young Jotun cut his question short and waving a dismissing hand towards the guards. "Leave all of you, he'll hardly give honest answers with you lot listening in. I sure wouldn't."

Thor watched as the Jotnar standing guard around the room, looked between their prince and King unsure of whether they should obey the order or stay. "Go!" The smaller ordered, his brother waving them to do as they were told.

"Now shall we?"

"Go ahead." Thor nodded.

"Was it the Allfather who handed us the casket?" Helblindi asked as his first question, flooring Agard's prince.

"S-sorry, is that your first question or are you starting with a guess? You worded it as a question."

"A bit of both, a question and a guess." The Jotun shrugged back.

"I told you this was a bad idea." Sif stressed from his side.

"The truth is bound to come out sooner or later, Father cannot keep this secret for ever. Even Freyr had suspected it was not him on the throne." Thor sighed, Loki was living proof of the devastation that could come of keeping secrets. Replying to the Jotun, "No, my father was not on the throne when the casket was handed back and the trade agreement was announced. That is one guess down, you have two left so don't waste your three questions."

"No." Byleistr interrupted, "That was worded as a question and should be taken as one as well, do not go easy on him simply because he decided to waste it. If it prevents him finding his answer then that is his own stupidity."

"Oh, don't worry I haven't wasted anything, my next question is brilliant." Helblindi grinned, before asking. "Was the one under the guise of the Allfather a Jotun?"

The "What?" That resounded throughout the room came from not only Asgard's prince but the Jotun's own brother as well. Shows how much Byleistr was paying attention when they were handed back the casket. The utter shock on Thor's face only confirmed what he already suspected.

"I knew it, the look on your faces are answer enough." He exclaimed, scoffing as he said. "You should really pay more attention brother, not only had 'Odin' refused to touch the casket during the exchange, he also mumble about hoping returning it would shut it up. Only our kind can hear the casket's songs."

"Which brings me to my last question. Name the Jotnar you know who live in Asgard? I can't imagine there are many and don't lie and say you don't know any because you obviously do, I can't imagine someone could take the throne without you finding out."

Sif was right this had been an incredibly stupid idea. He had never imagined Helblindi would guess it was a Jotun, how was he going to work his way out of this one. He couldn't exactly say there were a whole heap of Jotnar living in Asgard, but nobody noticed them because they are all in disguise. Then again admitting Loki was born of Jotunheim might perhaps help them to understand why it was Loki was so distressed in the first place. Though would they even believe him, they may accuse him of lying.

"He is hardly going to answer that, only a fool would reveal that kind of information to the leaders of a realm they've always had such shaky relations with." The older Jotun scoffed at his brother.

"You said I had three questions and three guesses, do not try to pull out now I have you in a corner." The Jotnar sighed, noticing the way the Asgardian paled slightly. It seem he was regretting letting him play this game, but he couldn't back out now simply because he was out smarted. "Look I cannot say for certain how it is you can aid your brother but I could try and at least explain what pushed me over the edge and what helped me find ease. I'm so close, do not leave me questioning now."

"And if you do not believe or like my answer?" Thor asked, swallowing the lump in his throat. Though he supposed this was what he had come here for, he just had not thought he'd be divulging quite so much information about his own brother in return.

"I suppose that is my own fault for wanting to play in the first place, besides once curiosity gets the best of me it just nags away until I get my answer or slog it out in the training arena until I'm to tired to think straight."

Sif placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, trying to channel through as much of her own strength into him as possible. She knew this would back fire and though she wasn't entirely sure Thor was ready to do this she knew he was about to. He had come seeking answers after all.

"Very well, while I must admit I do not know for certain that there are not other's living in our realm. Honestly I did not even know your kind were capable or taking on our appearance until recently. There is only one of whom I know of..." Both Jotnar watched him with expectant eyes eager to find out who the Asgardian Jotun was.

"My brother. Loki."

The man in the wheelchair, Charles had informed them, Bruce, Tony and himself that he had sensed something inside of the young Asgardian. Said that the voice/other presence that projected itself from Loki's head he had fought off was not entirely Loki. It seemed to be a mix of Loki's own magic twisted and knotted with a foreign power not his own.

Vision couldn't help but wonder if it was perhaps this foreign power the man spoke of that called to the stone in his forehead that caused it to resonate and tingle, not Thor's little brother. Though what ever it was it made him uneasy, as he was unsure why it was reacting as it did or if the tingling buzz was a good thing or a bad thing.

He had only visited Loki twice since their first short lived rather poor planned meeting. At least he had learnt just phasing into rooms to meet someone new was a very bad idea. He was so used to just phasing in the tower, he knew besides missions going so outside the tower wasn't the wisest idea, not when he wanted to try and become more human. Perhaps it would be more suited to phase less even when in the tower and practice using doors and stairs or the lift more. It would certainly lessen his chances of going up or dropping down a level and awkwardly startling guests. Most who come to the tower are used to him but Stark does bring business associates up to his private floors on the odd occasion. He had given one poor woman quite the fright once.

He wanted to try and spend some more time with Thor's brother, maybe see if he could figure out if not the reason behind why his stone reacted as it did and what it meant. Than at least try and find out if it were Loki himself or the thing he projected at times that it was reacting too. He was certain if he got to spend a little more time with him then he could distinguishes which it was that was triggering it. Which was why he was currently standing in front of the lift waiting for the doors to ping open. May as well begin practising doing things the human way even if it was slower. Bruce and Tony were both out of the tower on some mission that required their expertise, So he was alone in the tower with Loki and figured he'd see if the youth would like some company.

He hoped Loki was warming up to him, he wasn't sure because he was usually only their with Bruce and the Asgardian seemed to have grown comfortable with Bruce. So he wasn't sure if he was tolerated because it pleased Bruce or if he was actually warming up to him. Thor was his friend though and he really enjoyed the thunder god's company and Thor mostly spoke fondly of his brother. When they were younger at least so he was eager to try and befriend his little brother. To try and get to know the brother Thor remembered so fondly and spoke of so often. For they now knew he was still there lost beneath his troubles and that with time and help he could once again be the loving brother Thor cared so much for.

The elevator doors had just pinged open when suddenly a shrieking alarm sounded throughout the floor at a near deafening volume, as Jarvis called code white. He had no idea what that meant, he hadn't heard a code white called before. "Jarvis!" He called hoping to get some sort of clarification.

The alarms died back to a reasonable volume as Jarvis's voice sounded over the noise. "Code white sir, Loki has harmed himself and is in a state. Tony and Bruce have just been notified."

Hearing that Vision decided to fore go the lift instead he phased through the floor dropping down to the floor Loki was contained. Letting out a breath as he found the young god knelt in the centre of his cell in a small pool of blood as he clawed desperately at the self inflicted cut in his wrist. His whole body trembling as he looked over to Vision with pleading tear riddled eyes as he sobbed.

"Help me. P-please, I need to get it out."

It looked wrong, the blood too dark for how fresh it was, more a muddy dark purple-ish colour. They knew he needed the cuffs off, that it was turning his magic against him but they were sure Thor would return before it got too bad. Though seeing the mess before him Vision feared it was already much worse than they had thought.

"I need it out. I need it out. Get it out of me." Loki continued to mumble as Vision rushed in to aid,

He had to try and stop Loki from doing himself more damage and to stem the bleeding. He was so focused on trying to get to Loki so he could stop him from clawing his wrist open further that he was caught completely by surprise when suddenly Loki was standing right there mere inches in front of him. No not Loki, he realised as a hand shot out gripping his forehead and suddenly a deafening ringing filled his ears. The stone thrumming so violently it felt as though his head was being crushed and his vision turned white.

He vaguely heard someone shouting through the ringing in his ears before he blacked out.