A/N: Just something I wrote while taking a break from Vulcan mind Human heart. I have to warn you about some things in this story. This is an A/U fiction with adult themes like non-sexual disciplinary spanking, bondage, and forced seduction (rape). If any of these things are offensive to you, I advise you to not read this.
Also, I know how much fans love Loki. There will be some gender bending in this fiction, so if you don't want to see Loki as a female, this is not the fanfic for you. There will only be two parts to this and I don't know yet when I will post the last part because I really want to finish my current Spock/Uhura fic. So please be patient with me. Enjoy and I appreciate feedback, even that of a critical nature, but be nice :)
Part 1
oOo
The two sons return home. Finally. One a conquering hero and the other a prince disgraced and in chains. Loki stared ahead, chin high in spite of the circumstances, as a duo of high ranking Asgardian guards, each holding a chain that is attached to him, guide him before the massive throne which Odin sits upon.
Loki allowed his anger at his father to quench any guilt or shame he may have felt being brought before his parents, Frigga to Odin's right, as a prisoner. He could feel his mother's eyes burning on him, imploring him to look her way. Once he was before the throne he could no longer resist her gaze and turned a mischievous grin on the woman who had taught him magic.
"Hello Mother, have I made you proud?"
"Please Loki, don't make this worse." His mother frowned wringing her hands.
Loki lifted a dark brow. "Define worse."
"Enough!" Odin yelled ending the exchange.
Loki turned his full attention on the man who was ultimately responsible for Loki's attempt to conquer Earth. The man whose approval and love he had, admittedly foolishly, tried to win by showing that he could be better than the son the Asgardian king obviously held in higher esteem.
"I really don't see what all the fuss is about."
Odin's stern face didn't falter. "Do you truly not feel the gravity of your crimes? Wherever you go there is war, ruin, and death."
"I went down to Midgard to rule the people as a benevolent god. Just like you."
"We are not God. We're born. We live. We die. Just as humans do."
"Give or take five thousand years."
"All of this because Loki desires a throne."
"It is my birthright!"
"Your birthright was to die! As a child. Cast out onto a frozen rock. If I had not taken you in, you would not be here now to hate me."
Rage was a near tangible thing for Loki at Odin's words. Rage, that if his hands were not bound he could reach out and grab. These words hit home because not only were they true but because it solidified the reality that Loki was never a true son to Odin, merely a hostage to keep Laufey in line.
"You should have left me to die because this existence as your son, this lie, was not my choice. Why bring me here, to the bosom of my realfather's mortal enemy? To convince me that I was a part of your family, pretend that I actually had a chance to be your heir. So you could have peace with Laufey!? See what your plans have wrought you." Loki's face was twisted in ill-concealed pain.
Frigga's own face crumbled at Loki's pain. She made a step to move towards him but was halted by Odin's raised hand.
"It has always been my hope to unite our kingdoms through an alliance and that hope still remains. Despite your misplaced anger and foolish actions of late."
Loki laughed "You seriously can't expect an alliance with a people who have no king. Laufey is dead, or did you forget that I killed him. For you." The last was said with more venom.
"Jotunheim has no king, this is true." Odin leaned closer, still seated upon his throne. "Yet, you live. There is much you need to understand about your true parentage and your birthright, Loki Laufeyson. It will be said now, before all, then it will never be spoken of again, because no matter how you try to twist my words you are my child and through blood or water will remain so."
"More revelations Odin." Loki sneered.
"Careful or I will keep that tongue of yours behind your teeth by sewing your lips shut!"
Reluctantly Loki kept silent biting the inside of his lip, knowing from experience that Odin did not make threats in vain.
Odin stared challenging Loki, daring him to utter a word, his eye hard with the promise of consequences should Loki not obey. When Loki stood silent his green eyes aflame with silent fury, Odin sighed and slumped somewhat back on his seat.
"Long ago, Jotunheim and Asgard were at peace. In fact the princes of each kingdom were quite friendly with each other. The frost giants have always been a private race, exclusive, so this friendship was special indeed. Much isn't known to this day about the culture of the frost giants, but what is known is vastly known by me alone now, seeing as every other Asgardian with this privilege has gone to Valhalla. On Asgard the throne is passed to the male heir that is most worthy, birth order is not important, only worthiness. Not so with the frost giants. You see Loki, Jotunheim passes it's power to the first born female of each line. They are a queendom. Because most realms are ruled by men the frost giants allowed their king and princes to be their representatives, their voice, when in reality it is the queen and the princesses that hold the real power."
He paused to allow this to sink in. Frigga and Thor, who stood silently this whole time on either side of Loki, soaked in Odin's speech as well.
"Have you never wondered, in all this time since your true parentage has been revealed, why you are so much smaller than every other frost giant known?"
Loki flashed a confused look at Odin refusing to speak, knowing an answer was forthcoming. He had assumed that his size was a deformity and the reason that Laufey had ultimately rejected him.
"It is because you are only half frost giant. Your other half is Asgardian. Laufey was not your father, although Farbauti, his wife, was your mother. She fell in love with an Asgardian and bore his child, you. This is why you were left to die. Because Laufey refused to raise the product of his queen's adulterous affair with a man he once called friend. This is part of the true reason for the war that was fought so long ago."
Thor gasped and the entire throne room was in shocked silence. It took Loki several moments to collect his thoughts as his mind raced with the implications of Odin's words.
"If Laufey isn't my father, then who is?"
"My brother, Vili, whom Laufey murdered. He also killed my only other brother, Ve, and very nearly succeeded in killing me." he said pointing at his missing eye.
"So you see, I couldn't leave you on that rock to die, you were all I had left of my brother whom I loved dearly. Farbauti died in the battle and Laufey knew that with her death and no true heir of his own his claim to the throne was tenuous. When he went back to retrieve you, you were gone. I showed Laufey mercy because I needed someone to manage that realm until you were of age to rule and also because it was my own brother who had provoked Laufey's rage. The conditions of the truce were that Laufey would be king but only if he did not set foot on Asgard and also until you returned to Jotunheim."
"It makes no sense, I couldn't rule the frost giants regardless since the succession passes to female heirs."
"If you had been born a male that would have been a problem."
Loki felt as if the floor was swaying beneath his feet.
"What?!" he was incredulous. Thor asked the question in sync with him.
"It wasn't until you were a toddler that you chose to appear as male. We assumed it was because of your bond with Thor. You were forever chasing after him, wanting to share in his adventures even at that age. You put on the illusion of being male and utterly forgot your true gender. I'm sure it became second nature to you to always conceal your true self. It took an infinity stone to show you your own flesh for the first time. Surely this, you being female, isn't so implausible."
Loki stumbled back, nearly tripping on his chains. His mind raced, his eyes blinked rapidly.
"You are the rightful queen of Jotunheim. You are also the only child of my eldest brother, who before his death was selected by our father Bor to be the next king. It was always my hope that you would marry Thor, and bring an end to the hostilities between Asgard and the frost giants. Yet, it became apparent as the years collected that you had settled into your illusion of being a male, my son and not my daughter. You seemed happy and I had no desire to take that from you."
Odin rose golden spear in hand standing over a stunned Loki who had thought there could be nothing more shocking than finding out that his family was not really his family.
"You have defied my wishes for the last time Loki and you must be punished for your crimes against Midgard and Asgard. For that I strip you of your powers and confine you to this realm for the rest of your days." He pointed his spear at Loki and a flash of lightening struck causing Loki to cry out, falling down to his knees head thrown back. When the lightening receded Loki's magic was gone along with the power of illusion.
With his power to create illusions gone, Loki's true form was unconcealed. The tall, darkly handsome Asgardian prince was no more. In his place keeled a stunning creature who resembled the prince, but was altogether something other-worldly. Long raven hair and soft feminine features remained. The eyes were still green however, but lashes were much longer now. Loki rose slowly, hands shaking as she looked down at her revealed form. Soft breast pressed against a now loose tunic and lovely blue skin greeted her. Her lips were a bit fuller and she was much shorter than before, although still taller than many Asgardian women.
"No!" Loki cried pulling at her hair, looking around at those who stared with open mouths, panic in her voice. "What have you done to me?!" Her voice had a husky feminine tone, pleasing to the ears just as her male voice had been.
The chains were loose on her now smaller wrist and had fallen to make a loud clink on the floor.
"I have merely taken away your tricks. You are still Loki. You are still my child."
"Never! I refuse this punishment! Change me back. Throw me in the dungeon, swing the ax, but by the realms don't leave me like this." Loki screamed hysterically.
Odin slammed his spear down in anger. "You refuse nothing I decree from this day forth! You are lucky you still live you ungrateful child! If not for Frigga and my brother I would not have shown you the mercies I have! Had Vili lived, you never would have been raised as male. You never could have been king of Asgard no matter how much more worthy you were than Thor. You were always intended to be his queen, not his brother. Resign yourself to your fate Loki because you will not defy me again. I was too lenient with you. I should have never allowed Frigga to convince me to let you keep pretending to be male. If you were raised as a girl you would have never pursued this hopeless quest for power. You would have married, had children, and tended your family like a proper Asgardian woman."
Overcome with emotion, Loki crumbled into a heap on the floor, her beautiful face a mask of sorrow and denial.
"Am I really to be a prisoner in this … form?" she asked defeated.
"I have liberated you. You will see this with time and when you have shown you have learned your place you will fulfill your destiny and marry Thor."
Thor, who had been silent until this moment, spoke up. "Father, I have known Loki our entire lives as my brother. The ideal of wedding him is unthinkable. Surely there is another way to achieve your goal."
"Look on her," Odin ordered Thor "look on her and tell me that you feel brotherly love. Frost giantesses have always been known for their great beauty and Loki is no exception. It was what doomed my own brother. Your affection for Loki will only make your union stronger. I know you favor this mortal Jane Foster as a mate, and you may have her. Just know that when she is no more, you will fulfill my wishes and marry Loki. Before I married your mother I too had my share of romance with mortals."
Thor clenched his jaw, for the moment giving over to his father. However, he had much to say to him later in private.
"Until that time I put Loki in your care to be trained according to her future role as your consort. You will help her accept her place by whatever means necessary." He motioned for a guard to relinquish the chain he was holding, which was attached to Loki's neck, to Thor who took it reluctantly.
"If you so much as think of breaking my commandments Loki, I will forget what you are to me and punish you far worse than you could ever imagine." Odin's voice was terrifying in it's coldness.
oOo
He waited for Loki to respond and when she nodded briefly he then dismissed them with a wave of his hand.
Thor grabbed Loki by her arm to help her off the floor and he was amazed at how changed his former brother was, her arm soft and delicate in his hand. She look up at him and he sucked in a breath at his first close up look at her. If the situation had not been so absurd he would have laughed. She was beyond lovely and Loki, the male Loki, would have found the situation hilarious if it had been someone else in his place. To take a being so thoroughly male and put them in the body of one of the most beautiful women the universe had likely seen in a long while, was not only a waste of womanhood but a joke of epic proportions.
Loki was not laughing now, nor would she for a long time Thor wagered. She looked drained of fight and utterly vulnerable as he quietly guided her to his chambers. Once inside, Thor removed the collar and chain from her neck, placing them on a nearby table. She instantly rubbed her neck then drew her hands away, disturbed at the feel of her own flesh.
Although Loki had been in Thor's rooms countless times before, she stood now as if it were a strange place and she was unsure of what to do. Thor poured some mead from a pitcher on the table that now held the collar and offered it to her. Loki took it and downed it quickly before holding the mug out for more.
After the second serving, Loki walked over to the large four posted bed and lay down on one side, curling into a slight ball.
The day had been trying for them both, Loki unquestionable more so than himself. There were dark shadows under her eyes, and she stared straight ahead, unseeing of what was in her line of vision.
Thor wasn't sure what to say or do. On one hand he felt Odin's punishment had been light considering that mortals had lost their lives because of Loki's actions and on the other hand he ached for his sibling who was in the not to distant past his best friend. He had only ever wanted to protect his little brother, had loved him dearly. Now his brother was gone and in his place was a sister. No, a betrothed. He found that those protective feelings had merely increased were Loki was concerned. She looked so forlorn lying there. He wanted to comfort her as he had when Loki was a small child.
"Loki..." he began, but stopped when he noticed tears streaming down her face, followed by heartrending ugly sobs.
Saying no more, Thor removed his armor and lay on the bed behind Loki, drawing her into his arms like he used to when they were children. She didn't resist and the comforting touch caused her to cry all the harder.
He held her long after she had fallen asleep, his troubled thoughts keeping him from slumber as he watched Loki's now serene face. He recalled his father's words in that moment, of how Thor would feel more than brotherly love for the now female Loki and he suspected that his father was far wiser than even he had given him credit for.
Despite Loki's insistence that Thor was an 'oaf' Thor had always prized intelligence and wit, which was one of the many reasons he was devoted to his younger brother and had fallen in love with the mortal Jane Foster. He once thought that if there was a woman who possessed Loki's positive attributes, then that was a woman who would make him a fine wife and queen, so much did he admire his brother. Now before him was the realization of that long ago wayward thought. Not only did she process all the things Thor loved about Loki, but she was one of the loveliest creatures in all the nine realms.
Royals marrying so close within the bloodlines was not unheard of in any realm, among mortals and immortals alike. He wasn't disturbed by the fact that Loki was his uncle's child. Although, he wasn't sure if he would obey Odin's commandment to marry her. These were things that needed further thought.
What he knew for certain was that Loki would have a terrible time adjusting to her new position and vulnerability without her magic. She would resist at every chance and if not careful would bring down the wrath of the Allfather on her head. Thor would have to be vigilant and take his duty seriously to train her, to break her of the rebellious nature that had landed her in this position. He didn't think he could bare it if Loki lost her life as reward for causing further trouble.
He finally fell asleep with a plan formulating and determination not to fail Loki again.
oOo
Warmth surrounded her. She had not felt this at peace and safe in a very long time. Absently she realized she was snuggled against a very warm body. A very large and solid body. She sighed in contentment not wanting to fully wake up just yet. Bright sunlight was peaking through the oversized windows and casting it's heat on her closed lids.
"Loki, it's time to wake." Frigga's voice called from nearby. Loki groaned and snuggled closer to the warm body, prompting strong arms to embrace her tighter.
"Loki, it's time to wake. You as well Thor."
This caused Loki's eyes to shoot wide open as she understood whose body heat she had been enjoying. She looked at Thor's face, which was grinning sleepily at her, before she pushed with all her strength with arms and feet.
"Let me go you big oaf!"
Thor looked more hurt at her words than her feeble attempts of extracting herself from his grasp. He released her at once, sitting up to greet their mother.
"You forget this is how we used to sleep when we were small children. I'm wounded broth..." Thor caught himself before he uttered the last word.
Loki's face heated in embarrassment before the old familiar resentment crept in.
"You forget yourself. I am no longer your brother."
They shared an awkward glance before turning away.
"No you're not Loki. It's best if you adjust quickly to the ideal and not take it out on Thor, because these are things he can not help." Frigga said in her no nonsense way of speaking.
Loki offered her a tight smile, not upset with Frigga, yet not fully over her ire with Thor.
"To what do I owe the pleasure, mother?" she asked standing from the bed.
"I have come personally to make sure you are outfitted in a new wardrobe. I'm sure you know nothing of lady's clothing, so I've come to assist you."
Loki smirked. "Although I may know nothing of wearing lady's attire, I can assure you mother I've had ample practice in removing it."
Frigga blushed then rolled her eyes causing Thor to bark with laughter.
"You've always been popular with the ladies, but now that you are one, you must dress accordingly."
Loki nodded, surprising them with her lack of resistance.
"Good. Follow me. Thor you are welcome to join us, if you wish."
oOo
By the time the fitting for her new wardrobe was nearly complete, Loki was in a foul mood. Thor had decided it was best if he didn't let her out of his sight, so he sat and watched as she was fully undressed and covered in different fabrics, occasionally getting jabbed with wayward pins.
The situation was made worse by the thoughtless words of the palace seamstresses. They would not stop commenting on Loki's beauty or well formed feminine curves, expressing how her real form was so much more appropriate than the illusion of her male one. When one of the women touched Loki's hips while measuring them and made the prediction that she would have no problem baring children for their prince, Loki knocked her hand away before declaring that she was done with the senseless chatter of imbeciles.
Frigga didn't try to stop her as she stormed out, but she didn't get far before four palace guards stopped her, hands on their swords.
"What is the meaning of this?" she spat out in annoyance.
"By orders of the king you are not to be without escort under any circumstances." One guard said, giving Loki's barely covered breast a long look.
Loki's fist balled at her side as she attempted to reign in her tempter.
"Has it escaped your attention that I no longer have my magic and am of no threat to Asgard?" she said through gritted teeth.
"Apologies my princess," the guard smiled with relish, enjoying the trickster in such a predicament. "the Allfather ordered you brought before him if you did not obey."
"That won't be necessary. I will escort Loki. Thank you." Thor said interrupting Loki from her next remark which promised to be scathing.
The guards relaxed their stance when Thor arrived, bowed at this words, then left.
Loki scowled at Thor. She wanted so badly to just be alone, but it seemed that by Odin's decree she would have no solitude.
"If at all possible, could I be given a moment alone to think?" Loki looked up at Thor expectantly.
"You may rest in our chambers."
oOo
Once alone inside Thor's chambers Loki's thin control broke. She screamed as she picked up a chair and hurled it with all her might into a floor to ceiling length mirror. She proceeded to utterly destroy the room until nothing was left untouched. Although she was sure she made considerable noise with her smashing, throwing, and yells, no one came in to stop her.
When there was nothing left to break, her eyes wild and glittering, Loki caught a glimpse of herself in a shard of broken mirror and began laughing uncontrollably, in the grip of madness.
Odin thought he had won, but Loki refused to be beaten. She would find a way off Asgard and reclaim her magic. She would utterly annihilate this realm and everyone in it. Then she would move on to the other realms and one by one show them what mischief they deserved...
oOo
Three weeks later...
Loki sat in brooding silence as all those around her feasted with merriment. This was a celebration in honor of Thor's defeat of the dark elf king Malekith.
Business as usual for Asgard. Loki thought bitterly. Never mind that Loki had slayed the Cursed, a horrific creature of legend. Never mind that Loki had saved queen Frigga and Thor's mortal whore from certain death at that being's hands when Thor and Odin were nowhere to be found. Loki had even done the deed without her magic.
No. It was business as usual. Celebrate Thor and ignore Loki. No one seemed to notice that Loki wasn't eating or participating in the story telling and revelry. It was likely still quite a shock for the Asgardians to be in the presence of a real life frost giant. Add to that the fact that said frost giantess used to be known as a prince of the realm and Loki was tempted to blind the next person who stared unashamedly at her without bothering to greet her.
She glared down the table at Thor who laughed loudly at something Volstagg said, jostling the mortal who sat perched on his lap. Jane Foster of the lovely dark hair. Loki glanced at Sif sitting nearby whose own hair was raven black. A secret smirk appeared on Loki's lips.
Sif had once possess golden tresses as rich in color as the sun's rays. Her hair had been her vanity for sure, as coveted as real gold. Loki had fancied herself in love with Sif yet when Sif rejected her and instead professed feelings for Thor, Loki turned a malicious eye on the female warrior.
One evening while Sif slept Loki stole into her chambers and cut her hair with a pair of charmed scissors. Sif had been furious and later sorrowful when it was discovered that her golden tresses were forever gone, the charm causing her hair to forever grow in the same color as the one who wielded the scissors. She had never forgiven Loki for this trick and blamed the loss of her golden mane on Thor lacking interest in her.
Loki watched Sif as she tried to cloak her jealousy of the mortal, stealing glances at her clinging to Thor. What a sweet reward to see this display. To see Sif longing, as Loki had longed, for someone that she would never have. This improved Loki's mood and she reached for a cup of mead to sip.
Sif turned her eye towards Loki and when their eyes locked, Loki playfully twirled a lock of her own hair and waved at Sif with it before chuckling as Sif rose and exiting the hall abruptly.
"Do you ever tire of mischief-making?" Fandral said as he sat beside her.
Loki took another sip of her mead."I am the god of it." she said dryly "Besides, I'm merely trying not to become bored under the circumstances."
Fandral snorted "Why are you here if the company is so displeasing?"
"I was unware that I had a choice." She said bitterly.
"Come now Loki. Better to enjoy good company at a feast in celebration of your victory than in the dungeon rotting in chains."
"Oh come off it. I was never popular here, Fandral. If I'm not mistaken, it was you and the rest of the Warriors three that often found your own good company in making sure I was excluded from it. Now that I am," Loki looked down at herself with disgust "as I am, no one will come near me. A monster in their midst is a great deterrent to friendly conversation."
"If no one dare approach you, you have only yourself to blame. Your recent foray into murder and world enslavement is usually frowned upon in the nine realms. It's not your race that scares them, it's what you're capable of."
Loki's previously lightened mood darkened.
"Cheer up. I can assure you your appearance is the opposite of repellent." Fandral arched his eyebrow lecherously.
If this was the warrior's way of cheering Loki up he was failing miserably.
Without a word Loki rose and turned to leave but was halted by Fandral's hand on her wrist. He held her gently and looked up at her with remorse in his eyes.
"If I could undo the harm I've caused you in the past with my carelessness, I would. Know that I am truly sorry Loki."
Loki tilted her head in mild confusion at his words, surprised at the sincerity she read in his voice and eyes. She shook it off quickly and pulled her wrist from his loose grasp.
"Don't trouble yourself. After all, every hero needs his villain and dear Odin does have a penchant for keeping it all in the family doesn't he?"
She sneered at Fandral's look of disappointment before walking regally out of the hall, green skirts swaying around her.
oOo
"LOKI!"
Loki was startled awake by the loud boom of the bedroom door flying off it's hinges. She cringed before her eyes cleared of sleep and found focus on the figure standing where the door once stood.
"Has anyone told you a whisper is often heard better than a shout?" Loki said irritably, her head slightly pounding from the excess of mead she had drunk once she'd left the hall to find solitude in her room. Technically it was Thor's room, but since her brother had his mortal as guest in Asgard he was sharing a room with her, allowing Loki to have the chambers to herself.
She'd fallen asleep in the gown she wore to the feast and fought now to free her legs from the skirts so she could rise. She didn't have the chance to accomplish the task as a very angry Thor made his way to the bed and pulled her from it by her hair.
"Get up now and come with me!" he commanded pulling her out of his chambers and down the hall.
"I would come with you willingly you know. Ouch!" Loki tried to pull Thor's hand out of her hair but only succeeded in gripping his wrist as she tried not to stumble do to his fast pace.
"I've done nothing to deserve this treatment! Oww...hey that hurt!"
Thor's anger was like a heat coming off his body in thick waves. He ignored Loki and continued to march on. They turned several corners before he pushed her into a room releasing her hair.
Loki instantly grabbed her scalp and massaged, glaring at Thor. Then she noticed that the room had several occupants, Frigga, Sif, Fandral, and Jane Foster. A nearly hairless Jane Foster.
She sat on a chair, her large brown eyes red from crying. Her once long chocolate hair was nearly sheared completely off, only patches remained. She looked so comical, almost like a baby bird with those large expressive eyes. Loki snickered before she could stop herself.
"You laugh at what you've done! Have you no ounce of shame?" Thor said in disbelief.
Loki's eyes widened in understanding. They thought she was the one who had done this to the mortal.
"Now wait a minute. I didn't do this. What motivation would I have for harming your lady in this manner?" she reasoned.
Fandral rolled his eyes and Frigga looked on Loki with deep disappointment.
"What motivation? What motivates you to any of your pettiness and cruelty?" Sif offered, looking down on Loki.
Loki drew herself up, anger starting to boil, her sharp intellect quickly working through what was going on. Sif. So that's what this was about. She had cut the mortal's hair out of jealousy and set Loki up out of spite for what he had done to her. She knew that no one would believe Loki innocent and no one would believe Lady Sif to lack honor.
Loki glared at Sif knowing that there was no way to prove her innocence yet determined to not give over.
"I can only speak for actions that were mine, my lady. I know what motivated me to bless you with such glorious midnight locks, so like my own. A constant reminder of me every time you spy your reflection I'm sure." Loki grinned.
Sif clenched her fists at her sides. "Always the sore loser Loki."
"What did I lose Sif? A foolish girl who spurned a man who desired her for a man who wouldn't?" she lifted a brow in question.
Sif blushed deeply, a combination of embarrassment and anger. "I didn't spurn a man, did I?"
Touche.
"Did Loki seek your favor Jane? Could this be why he did this?" Frigga asked Jane who was holding her face in her hands silently crying. Jane shook her head no.
This whole time Thor had been seething, unable to take his eyes from Loki.
"Well if it makes you feel better you can cut mine off as well." Loki offered flippantly to which Jane started crying harder.
"Please Thor,"Jane said "just take me home. I want to leave this place."
Thor took the few steps needed to bring him to Loki and grabbed her upper arms, shaking so hard that her head snapped back and forward.
"Does your frost giant blood run like ice in your veins? It's just hair to you because you know nothing of what it means to be a woman. You have hurt her greatly and I will pay you back for this brother."
Thor dragged a struggling Loki to a large chair across the room, sat down and threw her resisting body over his lap, bottom up.
Loki screeched in outrage trying to kick out but once her skirts were thrown up over her back exposing her bottom, Thor trapped her legs with his own.
"Thor! You...You half-wit! You will regret this I swear it! I did not do this." Loki yelled.
"No Loki, you will regret this and you'll regret your cruelty towards Jane."
"Mother stop him! This is beyond unjust." Loki's demand fell on deaf ears. Frigga merely shook her head and gave Loki a disappointed look.
The panties that Loki wore were thin silk and provided no protection when the first slap landed. It startled her silent and was quickly followed by another and another. Thor put all his strength it seemed behind those blows. He even grunted with some swings as he vented his anger on Loki's quickly darkening bottom.
Loki's struggles increased as her bottom became more pained and Thor seemed to pay extra attention to the especially tender areas. She growled after several minutes of his punishment and her resolve not to cry broken not soon after that as he relentlessly continued on.
The stinging pain was excruciating and combined with the humiliation of being tossed over her brother's knee like a child, Loki's pride was nearly crushed.
"You will not play such tricks again." Thor said sternly, every other word accented by a swift crack of his hand.
"I swear I didn't do this." Loki choked, limp now on Thor's lap, simply bawling and taking the blows without struggle.
"You will stop telling lies!" This time each word proceeded a slap.
"When we are done, you will apologize to Jane and you will even apologize to Sif for what you did to her so long ago."
"Please!" Loki begged.
Thor's energy and enthusiasm for the task at hand didn't decrease. Each crack like lightening in it's intensity. When Loki's bottom had gone numb and she was a trembling wreck, Thor finally stopped, dragging her into his arms as she sobbed anew. She buried her head in his chest and released her hurt.
He held her gently, but she could tell from his stiff posture that he was still very angry with her for a crime she didn't commit.
"You will mend your ways Loki. You will cease your bitterness or by Valhalla I will turn you over my knee each time you fail, like the spoiled brat you are. Do you understand?" His voice was steel, so much like Odin's in this moment.
Loki nodded her head. She was broken for the moment and wanted to hide somewhere and disappear.
"Apologize to Jane and Sif. Now."
With pain, Loki stood and shuffled over to where Jane sat.
"I'm sorry for your tresses Lady Jane." she said softly, her voice achy from yelling.
Jane stood slowly and with alarming speed smacked Loki across the face. Loki didn't react other than to turn her head to Sif and speak.
"I deserve your anger Sif. I am sorry for how I hurt you." she turned away as Sif's eyes began to glisten with regret.
Sif was the first to leave, swiftly after Loki's words, Fandral close on her heals.
Frigga placed her arms around Jane's shoulders and ushered her out as well, taking her to the healers to see if a charmed blade or scissors had been used on her hair.
When they had left Thor rose walking past Loki issuing a terse command for her to follow him. He took her back to his chambers and left her, ordering the guard standing outside to watch Loki as she rested to insure that she had no opportunity for further trickery.
Loki, lay down on the bed, stomach first and fell asleep trying not to think on the humiliating events that just transpired. By now the entire castle likely knew of Thor's punishment and she would not be able to hold her held high for some time.
oOo
Sif had not used charmed scissors, so the healers were able to grow back Jane's hair down to her ears before she left for Midgard. Thor stayed with her for two days before returning to Asgard, his mood gloomier than when he left.
Loki was wary around him when he was in her presence. The memory of her spanking still fresh in her mind and such totally unexpected behavior from her normally forgiving brother. Thankfully the only time she had to see him was in the moments he inhabited their shared room before he went to sleep.
He refused to speak to her and the few brief looks they shared were filled with hostility on his end. It seemed that Sif's single wicked action had succeeded were years of Loki's had failed. Thor now hated his brother.
The irony was not lost on Loki.
Prior to Jane's attack, no one spoke to Loki, after wards she noticed that entire rooms would get quiet when she entered and those inside would stare at her before conversation would resume, giving her little doubt that she would be the topic of discussion for quite a while.
Loki was no stranger to loneliness, but this was unbearable. At least in the past she had had Thor's acceptance. Now she had nothing. Did it make a difference if she was innocent or not? She suspected even if it were known that Sif was the guilty party, Asgard would have much forgiveness for her actions unlike the scorn it had for Loki. They would forgive one of their own.
One night at a private family dinner served in one of the lesser halls, Odin mentioned what Thor had done to Loki in jest.
"Had I known that a good spanking would improve your behavior so impressively, I would have thrown you over my knee centuries ago." he said to Loki sitting meekly at the table across from Frigga.
To her shame, Loki flushed.
Had I my magic it would not have been so easy for him. Loki thought, wisely keeping silent.
Odin harrumphed as if he could hear Loki's thoughts.
"Thor, how fairs your training of the new soldiers?" Frigga asked grabbing everyone's attention.
Thor cleared his throat before answering. "It goes well. There are a few promising candidates that have shown exceptional skill. One of them hails from Vanaheim, which is not surprising."
Loki's eyes glazed over as she tuned out the uninteresting conversation the three were having. In the past, before Thor's coronation, she had loved these candid moments with just her family. They would share their day and Odin would pretend to have equal interest in both sons, but by his questioning it was clear to Loki which child had his focus. Frigga would make up for it though, showering Loki with attention and affection, trying to buffer the hurt.
Now no one attempted to engage Loki, least of all Thor.
"Loki, what is your opinion on this? Will you be difficult?" Odin looked expectantly at Loki.
Her head shot up from her musings.
"...I had no plans to do such. To be difficult that is." she had no clue what they were on about, having been totally absorbed in her own thoughts.
Thor was giving her an odd look and her mother let out a sigh of relief as if she were not expecting Loki be so biddable.
"Good, good." Odin said pleased. "The wedding will be held in four months time. Do you feel like this is enough time to prepare my dear?"
"It is rather short, but since Thor wants to be wed as soon as possible, it will have to be." Frigga said smiling.
Ah, so Thor will marry the mortal. Loki thought. Frankly, she was surprised that Odin had allowed the union, considering how short lived mortals and their offspring were. He probably agreed because he knew that Thor would obey him and marry Loki after the mortal was dead.
If Odin did manage to get Loki and Thor wed, their union was certainly going to be a celibate one. Thor would have to disgrace himself by seeking his satisfaction outside the marriage bed, which was not a small sin in Asgardian culture. Loki smiled to herself at the thought of a disgraced adulterous Thor.
"Congratulations brother." she said sincerely "I'm sure you will be quite happy with your mortal."
Thor's hand tightened on the mug he was holding.
"Were you even paying attention to the conversation or were you so deep in plotting new mischief that you missed the crucial parts?"
Loki huffed at Thor's annoyed tone. Thor clenched his jaw.
"Thor isn't marrying Jane Foster, Loki." Frigga offered.
"Well who else would he be so impatient to wed? Don't tell me that Sif has managed to finally sink her claws into you. Although, you could'ave done a lot worse, and she's certainly a step up from a mortal who'll be dead in less than a century."
"Are you purposely trying to antagonize? The wedding we are discussing is your wedding. Yours and Thor's." Odin's words rang in her ears.
Loki shot out of her seat.
"... should have known something was wrong when she agreed so quickly." Frigga said under her breath.
"Are you dense?" Loki directed at Thor "Have you dropped your hammer on your head again? Why would you want to do this?"
"Because I've had a revelation. You need constant attention, the kind of attention filled with lessons that will break you of your treachery. I've decided to take my rehabilitation of you seriously from here on out. I will fix this darkness that is in you Loki."
"Stop trying to fix me, I am not broken!" she yelled.
"Loki! Sit down." Odin stood prompting a measured response from Loki who sat down after considering her options. They were few.
"You have two choices Loki. You can submit to your duty, showing you are on the path to redemption by your actions. Or you can.."
"Spend the rest of my days in the darkest dungeon of Asgard? If it's all the same I chose the latter." Loki cut in.
"Or you can spend every day until you finally submit over my knee receiving far worse than what Thor gave you and it will not be in the relative privacy of your quarters either, but in the throne room so all can see!"
Loki visibly shrank back at the threat, appalled.
"I see." she said with a voice thick with emotion.
"Loki," Frigga tried to reason, her voice gentle "You and Thor got along wonderfully before you found out about your parentage. Surely marriage to him won't be so bad."
Loki choked on a laugh. Was she mad as well? Was Loki the only sane person on his twisted family tree? The thought was chilling. Why could no one see how wrong it was for her to marry a man she had been raised to believe was her brother? Why could no one see that although they were becoming accustomed to her female form, Loki felt she never would.
Then why does everyone expect more of me than they do of themselves. I would rather go to Hel.
"Had you been an obedient son, you would still be a son, free of this duty. Your own jealousy and willfulness has led you down this path. You must make right the wrong you have caused Loki and since you can not bring back a life once you have taken it, you will atone through obedience first to my will and then to Thor's."
Loki nodded mostly because she knew that being agreeable would end this discussion all the sooner.
"Don't think to fool me with false sincerity."
"Of course Allfather. May I be excused?" she managed to get out smoothly.
Odin waved a hand dismissing Loki from the hall. Tempers were riled and nerves on edge. No one noticed that Loki left the hall unescorted.
oOo
How they had mistreated him. Abused and sought to torture her poor Loki. Trapped him in a form he despised, took away his magic. How cruel! Hela watched it all play out, wanting nothing more than to punish the fools who hurt her beloved father so. Yet, from her position she could do very little. She couldn't return his magic but there was one small favor she could grant since he had declared to Odin that he would rather go to her than stay in Asgard.
She waited until Loki was alone in his room before she revealed herself, stepping from the shadows, her lovely side exposing itself first.
"I have missed you greatly." Her eery voice reverberated off the walls in a whisper.
Loki startled at Hela's arrival.
"Fear not. I have come to free you from this prison."
Loki released a breath and allowed her 'daughter' to embrace her into her much larger stature.
"Where can you take me that Heimdall will not find? Even now he likely sees you."
Hela's smile was every bit as wicked as one Loki could produce. "This is my gift to you. I will transport you to Midgard were a sorceress of great power resides. She will restore your magic, for a price, and I will shield you from Heimdall's gaze throughout."
"And what's your price Hela? It's well known you give no free gifts. Not even to me."
"Thor. I want him in my realm."
Chills went down Loki's back. Hela was eternally obsessed with Thor, waiting eagerly for the day he would make a mistake and end up in her realm. Could Loki sacrifice Thor to restore her magic and freedom?
She eyed her 'daughter' shrewdly. One had to be careful when making deals with Hela, each word uttered must be with care or it could mean the difference between an eternity in suffering or bliss.
"If I succeed, my magic returned fully to me, I will personally deliver Thor to you, but you must ensure that I do not fail."
Hela nodded holding her decayed hand out for Loki to grab. "You must find the one they call the Scarlet Witch. She alone has the power to restore yours. Then you bring Thor to my realm."
Loki took her hand without hesitation. "Then I bring Thor to you, only once my power is fully restored."
oOo
Two weeks. Two weeks he had searched for Loki unsuccessfully. Heimdall had last seen Loki during her passage to the mortal realm, guided by the dark being Hela. However, once she arrived on Midgard, he could no longer see her location. Hela, whose powers were great, had made sure that Loki could not be found.
Thor was truly afraid for Loki, knowing full well the cost of making deals with such a creature as Hela. Had Loki bargained her life, her soul? Hela who fed on the life force of other beings, sucking them of their power before she ultimately consumed their bodies as well. She was the queen of her realm and only a fool would seek her out or dare enter her domain. He had not thought Loki such a fool, but from experience Thor knew true desperation took the desperate to depths they never dreamed possible.
Had his anger with Loki driven her to gamble her life away? His mind had not been all together clear when he'd insisted to his father that it was time to marry Loki. No, he had been filled with bitterness over Jane ending their courtship due to her fear of Loki. He'd thought her stronger than that, yet she insisted that she didn't belong in his world and that Loki's attack had allowed her to see this finally.
Nothing he said or did could persuade her to change her mind. She had shut Thor out of her heart and although he knew that he could not have her for long because she was mortal, he had imagined that the time would have been much longer than what he was given.
As much as he fear for Loki for the first time in his life Thor truly wanted to harm Loki. He wanted to make her suffer as he was suffering.
Now he stood beside Tony Stark and the immortal named Logan as he was introduced to a man they both assured him would be able to locate Loki. Thor had sought the Avengers as a last resort, not wanting to involve them unless Loki became a real threat to Earth.
Charles Xavier, a being with unparallelled telepathic and mental powers. He sat in an odd chair that had wheels to transport him. Such a thing didn't exist on Asgard and it fascinated Thor who unabashedly studied it, bending down to touch the wheels.
Charles smiled at his child-like curiosity. "It's called a wheel chair. My legs no longer function so this chair facilitates my independent mobility."
"How useful. We lack such things on Asgard as our healers are able to heal all conditions that would require the use of such a chair."
"Perhaps one day our medicine will advance that far as well." Charles said placing the apparatus that would link him to Cerebral on his naked head.
"What is this device?"
"It allows me to focus my mutant abilities so that I'm able to pin point the location of a particular individual or even a group. Usually it's only used to find mutants or humans, but in this case it will be much simpler."
"Why is this?"
"Because there aren't a large amount of Asgardians on Earth. That will make it easier to find the odd ball out, so to speak."
Thor nodded.
Within a matter of seconds Charles was able to pick up Loki's signature, faint though it was. Thor felt as if his stomach had dropped when an image of Loki appeared before them. It wasn't the technology that was so disconcerting for him. No, that wasn't it at all. It was the fact that the image before them was that of a male Loki speaking with some unseen person, dressed in mortal attire.
"She has regained her powers. We must hurry before Loki does any harm to Midgard." Thor turned to make way out of Cerebral, but was halted by a single hand on his shoulder.
"Whoa, wait a minute there chief. It could be that I'm all excited to finally get to hang out at Wolvie's house or maybe I'm just not hearing you right because I'm going on twenty-six hours with no sleep, but did you just use a she instead of he? Pronouns are not to be played with my friend." Tony said.
"I may have neglected to tell you a new development concerning Loki."
Tony threw his hands up. "Never do that. Never neglect to tell us new developments concerning your bat-shit crazy brother."
"I didn't think it mattered, and it is a family concern that you wouldn't understand."
Logan raised a brow and crossed his arms, resigned to keep his mouth shut.
"Maybe if we knew the details it would better equip us to assist you." Charles offered.
"This is something I must do alone. I am deeply grateful for your help thus far professor."
Charles escorted them to the front lawn of the school immediately where Tony retrieved a suitcase from the trunk of his car parked in the drive. With the push of a button he suited up into his Iron man armor.
"You didn't think I'd let you have all the fun alone did you? Plus I have the coordinates, unless you have gps on that hammer."
Thor smirked at Tony's words. "Lead the way."
oOo
"You assured me that your hex would work, yet my magic has not returned and all I have to show for your efforts is having my old form back." Loki said through clenched teeth at the woman standing before him.
"I told you that they usually work if I hadn't expended my energy, which can weaken the hex. Whoever took your abilities was very powerful to require so much on my part to restore it. It will take at least another week for me to recover enough to attempt what you're asking. Be patient."
Wanda Maximoff was not concerned about the 'deity' that was glaring daggers at her. She knew what Loki was. She also knew that if she was able to help him regain his powers, Loki would make good on the payment Wanda had requested. Loki would honor his word if for no other reason as to not make an enemy of the Scarlet Witch.
Having found her just a couple of weeks ago, it had taken some convincing before Wanda agreed to help. Unfortunately this came on the heels of Wanda exhausting her hexes in a fight with her father. Her abilities were unstable at best and she desperately needed a way to keep them from fluctuating. If she could take full control of her abilities, then she would be limitless in what she could accomplish. Loki promised he had a way to help Wanda, but first he needed help recovering his own abilities, which were true magic and not a mutation.
"I don't have the luxury of forbearance. The longer I stay in this realm the more vulnerable I am to detection."
"Who exactly are you trying to keep from detecting you? You've been very evasive about that."
"The bad guys."
Wanda grinned, twin dimples appearing. "I thought you were the bad guy."
Loki returned her grin. He really did like Wanda. She was the right mixture of tough, femininity, and cheekiness that Loki loved in a woman. It would be a shame if she disappointed.
A loud ringing from Wanda's cellphone ended the conversation as she stepped into another room to take the call.
oOo
Thor and Tony stood in front of the house that sat on the coordinates from Cerebral. Thor gripped his hammer tightly as he approached, Tony remained on the side walk unmoving.
Thor gave him a quizzical look. "Are you not coming?"
"Making a call. Hold on one minute." he held up an iron finger and turned around. "Hello. Yeah hey Wanda, it's Tony Stark. You doing okay? Yes. Yes. I'm doing great, still fighting aliens and super villains, you know how it is. Have you thought about what I said about joining the team? No. Still thinking. Well the invitation stands. Moving on. So Wanda sweetheart, I have a little situation here. Oh nothing too serious. Just that you're harboring a maniacal megalomaniac in your house and I kinda need him, I mean her, to come out. We could go in, but as a courtesy to a potential teammate, which you should seriously consider, I really don't want to smash your house. Yeah. Yes. Okay."
Tony turned back to Thor in time to the front door of the two level home opening, a curvy brunette standing at the door, cellphone in hand.
Tony walked up followed by Thor and Wanda stepped to the side and let them in.
"You're sure this is okay? This could get ugly." Tony asked.
Wanda shook her head in annoyance. "I had no ideal you were the ones looking for him."
Thor's voice was firm. "Show me where Loki is."
Wanda led them to a room that had walls covered in book heavy shelves. Loki sat on a sofa reading a thick book, a frown on his face.
"This is complete rubbish." he said without looking up. "Magic doesn't work like this."
"I happen to like Harry Potter." Tony said startling Loki so thoroughly that his already pale complexion turned alabaster. Loki jumped up to escape, but before he could reach the door to the adjoining room Thor reached him with a growl, grabbing him by the scruff of his neck.
Thor laughed at his pitiful attempts to get free, tightening his grip.
"Well that was surprisingly easy." Tony mused.
"I see your magic has yet to be fully restored, how fortunate." said Thor.
"Release me!"
"How is it that you can cast this illusion, yet you lack the rest of your tricks?" Thor asked maneuvering Loki by his neck to toss him on the sofa.
Loki rubbed the back of his neck, eyeing the two Avengers with frustration. "Odin can not keep me forever from what is rightfully mine. You're a fool if you think this small...victory...means anything."
"When will you learn that your rebellion only brings pain and suffering. You are better off on Asgard being looked after by those who care for you. Your magic has poisoned your mind. With it intact you are a danger to all those around you. Without it you are vulnerable and unable to fully protect yourself from those who would seek retribution for your past deeds."
Loki hissed. "Like you brother? Like Odin? Did you tell your new friends what you planned for me in Asgard. Or are you afraid they will see you differently if they knew? Then the mighty Thor wouldn't appear so noble."
"What is his royal unbalanced-ness talking about Thor?" Tony asked.
Thor glared at Loki silently weighing whether his words rang true.
"Your beloved hero plans to rape his own brother."
Wanda and Tony's shocked face turned to Thor who immediately roared at Loki.
"Why do you twist the truth so!"
"I twist the truth? Then what do you call it? What do you call it if not rape. Me, your own brother, who you claim to love so dearly." Loki spat out.
"Is he, I mean she, telling the truth? Because this is quickly entering into a place I would really rather not go."
"No Tony", came Thor's exasperated reply "Loki is not male, she has always been female. She merely hides her true self behind illusions. Nor is she Odin's daughter, as you already knew. I plan to marry her to unite our kingdoms and put an end to over a millennium of bad blood between our peoples, recently renewed by Loki's attempted genocide of an entire planet. She twists things as she always has because she seeks to sow discord and has no sense of duty."
"That still sounds pretty fucked up, that is unless Asgardian wedding vows don't require a consummation." Wanda was starting to get pissed. She didn't want a fight with the Avengers, but she could clearly see that what Thor had planned for Loki, villain or not, was wrong. She suspected that Tony felt the same way and his next words confirmed it.
"On a depravity scale of one to ten, this is definitely at minimum a high eight. I'm suddenly glad I'm an only child."
"Our ways are not your ways. Need I remind you that Loki is a cold blooded murderer and will likely attempt to conquer your realm again if given the resources? Mischief is in her core and it will take several mortal generations before she is no longer a threat to your world. Do you really want to quibble with me about whether she comes to her marriage bed willingly? Take comfort in the knowledge that I will keep her from harming this realm's inhabitants."
"Yeah, but couldn't you just throw her in an Asgardian prison or something?" Tony asked.
"No." Thor's reply was hard and he refused to expand.
Loki seeing an opportunity to possibly gather unlikely allies turned to Tony, his eyes pleading.
"Can't you see how barbaric this is? How vile? Even mortals with your primitive world would not allow such a punishment to take place."
"You're not endearing yourself to me if you're wondering."
"I refuse to be defiled in this manner! I petition you for sanctuary metal man. I throw myself on your mercy." Loki's voice was sincere as he refused to look at Thor.
"Shit." cursed Tony, who now felt obligated to take Loki's request seriously.
"Enough of this. Come here Loki, we are leaving."
Loki swallowed nervously and shook his head slowly. "No. I won't."
"Now!"
When Loki remained seated, Thor angrily snatched him up as if he weighed no more than a child and threw his body over his shoulder as Loki punched and struggled with no little force. "Help me, please!"
"Out of my way." Thor glared at Tony.
"It's nothing personal buddy, but it's just not the way we do things on Earth."
Thor dipped his head in acknowledgment. "It's not the way we usually do things as well. If it eases your mind to know, our realm is a peaceful and prosperous one which yours is not. Surely our ways are not worse than your own. Regardless, I do not need to ask permission from you to deal with Loki how I see fit."
He turned to Wanda "Witch, I am sorry for your home."
"What are you talking abou..."
"Heimdall, the gate."
Then they were gone and so was a circle shaped portion of Wanda's hardwood floors and she was the not so proud owner of a new house sized sun roof.
oOo
Once again they were both before Odin's throne. Loki kneeing at Thor's feet staring up at the Allfather defiantly. Odin's rage was so great that he spent many moments just staring forbiddingly at Loki, flexing his hand which rested on the throne's arm.
The entire court was present and all waited silently for Odin's judgment, but Loki already knew what it would be. That is why Loki was determined to not show even an ounce of the very real fear he was feeling. He would not cower before such an unjust king.
"Loki, rise."
He stood up slowly, heart pounding and then speeding up further as Odin bid him to approach the throne. He wanted nothing more than to deny the order. To turn and run from the hall to escape Odin's anger.
Bravely he swallowed the lump in his throat before walking with firm steps until he climbed the stairs that led to the throne, stopping in front of the man he once called father.
"Over my knee."
There was no use in begging mercy as Loki was sure it would only further rile the king. With great humiliation Loki laid down over Odin's broad lap, closing his eyes at the shame when Odin pulled his pants down to expose his rear end.
In anticipation of his struggles Odin trapped Loki's legs with his own and anchored his upper body to his thighs with one hand. He said nothing further. He simply proceeded to smack Loki's bottom with a force that was far superior toThor's.
Loki gritted his teeth gripping Odin's leg with his hands, trying not to tense with each blow. The sounds echoed throughout the throne room. Crack. Crack. Crack. Crack.
Sweat began to form on Loki's brow as he started to feel the heat from the slaps. His bottom quickly went from pink to an angry red, his face also flushed with the effort it took to not cry out. His breath was becoming labored now, a moan escaping.
27, 28, 29. Odin had reached 50 before Loki lost strength and began to squirm and to cry out for him to be lenient. 72,73,74. "I've learned my lesson! Don't humiliate me in this manner." Crack. Crack.
Loki's eyes were open now as he turned his head to see Thor and the rest of the court watching the spectacle with grim faces.
"I implore you." 105, 106. Odin continued on and soon a tiny puddle of tears pooled were Loki's head hung as he began to openly sob, his dignity being destroyed.
"Please Father, stop!" Odin paused briefly before continuing on, his heart warmed to hear Loki call him father once more.
"If you ever loved me cease this." Loki begged.
Finally Odin spoke, even as he dealt out Loki's punishment.
"It is because I love you that I do this. A father who loves his child corrects that child. Perhaps if I had done this when you were small you wouldn't have this darkness that eats at you and you wouldn't doubt that I love you."
Those simple words. I love you. Something he had longed to hear from his father, but had never received until now. Loki slumped in Odin's lap completely defenseless against this well deserved childish consequence. Odin's hold was so strong he couldn't even reach back to shield his bottom from the blows. Loki gave up and accepted what was happening and a damn broke within his heart allowing him to cry more freely and submit to his reward for defying Odin.
After a while he felt true regret for his actions, beyond the agonizing pain that seared his bottom and the back of his thighs. Beyond the shame of being treated so. He wished he had never caused trouble because deep down he had only been crying out for the attention of a father and brother he loved so much.
"Father, I'm sorry." he cried.
Finally Odin's hand stopped and the hall remained silent save the heartrending sobs of a totally broken Loki. Odin righted Loki's clothing, standing him up as his bent shoulders heaved, head down. Once to his feet Loki immediately dropped to his knees and grabbed his father's leg like a life line.
"Forgive me. Please forgive me. I was wrong in my actions, I see that now." he sobbed, fully humbled.
Odin reached to touch Loki's head.
"Your sincerity is apparent. You are forgiven this latest rebellion, yet you have much to atone for still. You took innocent lives on Midgard, which can never fully be repaid. You can redeem yourself only through obedience. Do you fully submit to my will now?"
Without hesitation Loki responded with a raspy voice. "I do."
"You will remain on Asgard and marry Thor and submit to him as well?"
Loki looked up at Odin, green eyes still shinning with tears. "If that is what you wish."
Odin grunted. "It appears that a good thrashing can indeed tame my Loki."
This drew chuckles from the court and a smile from Thor. Loki's cheeks flamed but he felt no ill-will towards those laughing.
"You may keep your magic to appear male for now. I can see that it's a great comfort to you. However, if you are commanded to show your true form you will obey. Now, go with Thor and continue to think hard on the lessons you've learned this day."
"Yes Father." Loki mumbled before returning to Thor's side. He wiped his eyes and nose with his sleeve, unable to do much else but look at the floor.
The long walk out of the throne room flanked on either side by the palace court was nearly unbearable for Loki. He kept his eyes down following closely behind Thor, grateful that no one taunted or laughed as he walked by. The entire way to their destination Loki remained silently on the edge of breaking once more.
Once inside their rooms, Thor enfolded Loki into his arms.
"Do you never tire of treating me like a child?" Loki's voice muffled against Thor's chest held no anger, just bone weary tiredness.
Thor smiled gently. "No matter how our roles may change there is a part of me that will always see you as my adorable little brother."
Loki's arms, which had hung limp at his sides, flew up to hug Thor fiercely.
"I wish we could go back, back to a time when things made sense." was his broken reply.
"It will make sense once more. You will see."
Loki wanted to believe Thor. He wanted to believe that things would be right again, like when they were youth following after Odin, fighting with wooden swords and in awe of the stories their mother told. But he doubted that his world would ever feel that clean again.
...