Worlds Away // Chapter 14

Hey guys! I'm so sorry I haven't been updating recently, I've been really busy with school, personal life, ect. I promise, I'll try to get a few chapters out as soon as I can. Also, the Worlds Away Wallpaper Challenge is ending soon! Don't forget to submit your entries!

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Erwinn stood in white. Literally, she stood in a vast plain of white, the floors, top, and everything around her the same empty color. Where was she? Some kind of dream?

Erwinn had no memory of what had happened only moments ago. But, a stinging pain ached on her left cheek and she reached up, feeling a deep gash, though no blood came from the wound.

WOOF, WOOF!

Erwinn turned to see a blur of gold running towards her, joyfully barking. A small smile played Erwinn's lips as she dropped to her knees, instantly grabbing Buddy and pulling him into her chest.

"Hello, Buddy." She said as the dog licked her uncontrollably. Her voice seemed to echo throughout the white space, but she didn't notice. "I miss you too." She cooed to the dog. "It's okay. I'll be home soon. I promise. You're a good dog, Buddy. A good, good dog."

Suddenly, a flat screen-like picture flashed before Erwinn, startling her. She peered at it, squinting her eyes. It was a picture of the Avengers Tower living room, with Tony and Steve carrying a large crate before the couch, where Erwinn and Pietro sat, the girl's hands placed over her eyes.

The other Avengers were out on a mission, so it was just the four of them, but the billionaire, soldier, and speedster had made sure they could stay.

Finally, Steve unhooked the crate door as Erwinn dropped her hands, instantly letting out a soft squeal as Buddy the golden retriever bounded into her lap. Tears brimmed Erwinn's eyes as she dropped to the floor, practically throwing herself over the dog.

"We found him a couple miles from the," Tony cleared his throat, "remains of your house. He had a few cuts and scrapes, but otherwise, he's fine."

The screen disappeared, leaving Erwinn in whiteness. Suddenly, Buddy snapped his head somewhere behind her and ran off, out of view. Erwinn stared after him, slumping onto the ground.

"I never really cared for canines." Said a snakey voice. "They always tried to assault me with their slobbery pink tongues." Erwinn whirled around to stare at someone who she expected she wouldn't ever see again.

"Loki!" Erwinn all but screamed, scrambling to her feet and sprinting as fast as she could towards him. Her heart ached with longing as she raced towards him, his arms outstretched.

Finally, Erwinn reached Loki, clasping her arms around his middle and burying her face into his black and green clothing. Loki shushed her as he held her and stroked her tawny hair, her body beginning to rack with soft sobs.

Loki pulled her back, giving Erwinn a soft and comforting smile. She gazed up at him and just then did he realize how long he'd been gone.

Erwinn's hair was cut much sorter so that it flopped against her shoulders, and her nose seemed to host even more freckles than before. She was most definitely taller, as now she reached his chin rather than his neck. Loki held fast to Erwinn, feeling both happiness and guilt.

"Erwinn," he spoke, attempting to keep his voice from wavering, "I am so sorry for not visiting, or at least sending you a message."

"Loki," she replied quickly, "it's okay. You're here now." It just occurred to her that this could all be a dream. Loki chuckled.

"Of course it's a dream." He said, almost as if he read her mind. "But I am here. You, however, are not. In the astral world, you are separate from your physical form. I possess the abilities to travel into the dreams of others with both forms."

Erwinn's head swam with information.

"Okay," she said slowly, "but, why are you here?" Loki's amused and thoughtful expression changed to one of dread. Erwinn narrowed her eyes. "What?" She inquired.

Loki sighed uncertainly and removed his hands from her shoulders, pulling them behind his back. "I've come to warn you, Erwinn." The girl was taken aback.

"About what?" Loki huffed and waved his hand, green magic swirling into the air and forming another screen like the last one that held the scene in the Avengers Tower. Erwinn stood beside her friend, gazing up at the picture.

"One of the seers in my city, those who can see the future, came to me two days ago. She's seen what will occur in the next week, Erwinn. And, unfortunately, it is unsettling."

The scene began to play, revealing a woman dressed in rich purple robes, her eyes slits. She opened her mouth and an eerie warning emmited from her.

"Beware, Erwinn Welsh of Midguard, for your world is about to turn upside down. A rising threat will tear apart your friends' alliances and will test your loyalty to each one. Soon, you will be forced to make a decision. Soon, you will be forced to choose a side and fight."

With that, the screen vanished, leaving Loki and Erwinn in silence. Loki peered uncertainly at her.

"Are you alright?" He asked. She didn't look at him.

"Loki," she asked, what does this mean?" He warily glanced downwards.

"I do not know." He finally replied. Suddenly, he whirled around in response to an abrupt noise only he could seem to hear, then crouched to Erwinn's level. "Erwinn," he said, "I promise, I will come back. Whatever happens, do not loose sight of what you believe is right."

Without waiting for an answer, Loki stood, then placed a hand on Erwinn's forehead and she felt a jolt, as if she were being transported to different dimensions.

And then she awoke.

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