Hey, people! New story time! And I PROMISE that I'll finish this one, cuz I'm several chapters ahead, and I have my own shiny new Beta! He's a comic book expert, and is helping me sooth out plot issues! So read and enjoy!
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Darcy had thought that S.H.I.E.L.D had been prepared to receive the god of thunder and his father. Apparently not.
Thor had walked right into the base, as if he owned it. Odin followed, slightly more reserved, but certainly no less regal, his scars only proving his leadership. Agent Coulson hurried behind them, trying to explain the circumstances that required the All-Father's immediate attention.
"We found him in Canada of all places. He doesn't seem to be injured just-"
"I will speak to him first. There is much I need to discuss with him." Odin left Coulson sputtering behind him, marching straight into the interview room. He shut the door behind him, and sighed before turning with drooped shoulders to the young man sitting at the table.
"Son."
Loki looked up from his hands. Eyes that were normally jade had cooled to ice chips. "Am I?" he asked. "Your son. I had thought it was very clear that I was not, in fact, your offspring."
"Do you think that matters?" whispered Odin. "Frigga and I raised you. We love you. No matter what you do, or where you come from, you will always be loved by your mother and I."
Loki's eyes burned with shame. "I don't know why. After all that I've done, all the damage I've caused. I've ruined a centuries old peace treaty, destroyed the Bifrost, and I nearly-"
"Do you really think that I haven't made mistakes? That I don't have regrets?" Odin's eyes were kind but stern. "There's much I wish I could take back, many things I would do differently if I had the chance. Raising you is not one of them. However, as king of Asgard, I must punish you. For you have pushed our people to the brink of war once again. And that crime demands a price." Here, his voice turned hard. "It shall take a year and a day to repair the damage you and your brother caused to the Bifrost. And so for a year and a day, you shall remain here on Midgard, without your magic, to live as a mortal. When the time is up, and if you haven't caused any more trouble than necessary, you can return home."
"I'm surprised father. Why so lenient?" Sarcasm dripped like venom from the tricksters voice.
"Your family misses you. We simply want you home." Before Loki could react, Odin had stepped out of the tiny room, and closed the door behind him.
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Jane was in the middle of looking for a rather specific sheet of paper. "Hey Darcy, could you help me find the data sheet we were looking for last night?" A piece of paper appeared over her shoulder. "Thanks."
"You're welcome."
The masculine voice barely registered for a moment. Then she spun around, nearly off balancing herself. "Thor!" She launched herself into his arms, twining herself about him, and covering him with frantic kisses.
"Hey, Jane, have you seen...Thor, hey, what the hell are you doing here?" Darcy's laughter belied the crude words, and Thor opened his arms to the young woman, spinning her around like a child. He set her down, his face soon becoming solemn.
"My father and I are here because of Loki. Something needs to be done about him."
"How about taking away his magic, shutting him in a cell at the bottom of the ocean and throwing away the key?" Janes voice was hard, and matched the sour, angry look that graced her thin features.
Thor was taken aback. "We've all made errors, Jane. He's still my brother, and I know he feels remorse for what he has done. In the time we grew up together, he saved me from many a stupid thing. I won't believe that Loki is beyond help. He's simply...lost his way for a while. Just as I did, when I was sent here."
Jane's face softened. "Yes, but you coming here was a good thing. It led you to me."
"Yes, and perhaps the same will be said for my brother."
"Wait, what? You're leaving him here? Are you sure that's a good idea? I mean, it's not like he has a great love for us humans. How do you know he won't go all murderous psycho on us when you leave?" Darcy interjected. "You cant just pop back here anytime you like, not with the Bifrost in pieces. I for one, would like a little security if the god of mischief is gonna be running around America like it's his private Australia."
"And you'll have it." Both young women spun to face the new voice. Odin stood in the doorway, looking stooped and weary. All Darcy could think of was how she'd put him in a billowy shirt and a peg leg, and start calling him Captain. She winced, probably not the best thing to think of when faced with the king of the gods. Odin strode towards them, and she noticed a faint limp, not doubt the result of countless battles, she figured. He stopped just in front of her, and she had to tilt her head back just to see his face. Damn, he's tall, she thought, then belatedly realized he had resumed speaking.
"-oved his magic from him for the duration of his stay on Midgard. He's as harmless as I could render him, although his way with words and cunning remain with him. Lady Jane, you have proven yourself the equal of my son. When we return to collect our errant prince, you shall come with us to Asgard, and remain by Thor's side, if you accept." Jane beamed with happiness, and nodded her head. Odin's smile faded, and he regarded Darcy with a shrewd look. "Lady Darcy. If you look after my younger son during his incarceration in this world, you may have one, and only one, gift from me. Anything you ask that I can provide, I shall. Be it riches, fame, beauty, or knowledge; I shall grant your request. Do you accept?"
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So let me know what you think! It's probably going to be a long story, but I'm going to try to update it at least once a week, maybe more!