Loki watched in horror as the Aether began to reform. He was crouched above Jane, shielding her from the blast caused by Mjolnir, but now the shattered shards of red floated upwards and surged towards Malekith. The Accursed absorbed the Infinity Stone and laughed at the brothers and the mortal.
"Thank you, Loki of Jotunheim, for your gift." He snarled "But it appears that pleasing me was not your intention. No matter, I have the Aether now; I will return the universe to its eternal night. Darkness will rule, Asgard and the other Eight Realms will fall."
"Not while there is breath in my lungs and blood in my veins Malekith." Loki spat, forcing himself up on his feet, in the corner of his eyes he watched Thor also rise. "You will be the one who falls."
"We will see who falls Liesmith" Malekith retorted, before turning to Kurse "Kill them all"
The leader of the Dark Elves then turned to walk towards his ship. Dark Elves began to walk forwards and Thor immediately stalked towards the amassing army, but Loki's eyes were drawn to Kurse. The creature reached down to his belt and pulled off a small ball, throwing it towards Loki and Jane.
Loki realised what it was a fraction too late.
He reacted on instinct, pushing Thor's lover out of the way, but getting caught up in the pull of the black hole. His stomach lurched and for a moment he thought "this is it, this is where I die". Loki could see Jane's overwhelmed expression as he got pulled towards the vortex. "I had so much I wanted to say" He couldn't help but fear the possibility he might survive. Last time he had fallen through a hole in space he had met Thanos and his children. That had not ended well for anyone.
However, instead of being absorbed by the circling suction of the black hole, Loki was instead forced sideways, out of its path, colliding forcefully with the floor. Looking up he could see his brother beside him. Loki smiled softly at Thor in thanks, but Thor didn't return the smile.
"Protect Jane, I'll defeat Kurse" Thor frowned
"What of Malekith? I can-"
"Just protect Jane" Thor interrupted. At that he began to spin Mjolnir around his wrist before taking off. Loki sighed to himself; once again, despite everything Thor never believed in his fighting ability, nor his Seidr. "I'll show him" Loki thought.
Loki quickly teleported in front of Jane, who was being surrounded by the Dark Elves. With a flick of his wrist, green bursts of Seidr leapt out towards each of the Dark Elves, each one falling down dead the moment the magic struck them.
Jane flinched back as she was suddenly surrounded by corpses, but Loki didn't even blink. Scanning the plains of Svartalfheim Loki could see that Thor was holding his own against Kurse, instead his eyes fell on to Malekith, who was making his way towards Thor. Clearly planning on attempting to assist Kurse in his assault.
"Help him, please" Jane whispered behind him.
"Stay here" Loki practically growled, snatching up a Dark Elf sword and teleported behind Malekith; thrusting the blade through the Dark Elf's back until it protruded from his chest. Malekith gasped in pain as Loki took a step back.
Kurse turned around at his master's gasp and that was all the distraction Thor needed. Finally managing to strike Kurse with Mjolnir; hitting him hard in the head forcing him to the floor and hitting him repeatedly, killing him. Meanwhile, Malekith and Loki made uneasy eye contact before the Dark Elf pulled Loki on to the blade.
Agony shot through Loki's body, burning and sharp as his lung was pierced by the sword. Thor's shout echoed in his ears but it sounded so far away. Loki reached down to Malekith's belt and found what he was looking for, what would hopefully destroy the Aether once and for all.
Pushing himself away from Malekith, he landed on his back on the floor with a pained groan. Looking up he stated:
"See you in Hel, monster!" And with an explosion of red, the Black Hole Grenade went off, absorbing Malekith and the Aether into its murky depths. At that Loki let his body lie back. Thor fell to his knees next to him, scooping his failing body into his arms as Loki panted heavily.
"No, no, no, no." Thor muttered "Ah you fool you didn't listen"
"I know, I'm a fool, I'm a fool" Loki stammered gasping in pain as his one lung began to fill with blood.
"Stay with me, okay" Thor begged, placing a hand briefly on Loki's left cheek.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry" Loki forced out as the world became fuzzy around him.
"Shh it's okay. It's alright." Thor tried to smile "I'll tell father what you did here today" Loki starred at Thor for a long moment.
"I didn't do it for him" his whispered as his eyes began to flutter closed.
"No, no Loki, brother, stay awake. Please Lítt Einn, stay awake." Thor begged.
"'m so tired Thor. I can't fight this anymore" Loki murmured, drowsy from the lack of blood "its better I die here, than by Thanos' hand"
"Thanos? Loki he's not real-"
"Thor" Jane called, running up to the pair of Gods.
"Jane, my brother, he's gravely injured. I don't know what to do. Asgard will surely kill him."
"What if we get him to Earth? Our Doctor's might be able to help" Jane suggested
"Loki is Jotun; his biology is different to that of a Midgardian"
"What about Dr Banner, he could try"
"That would be ideal; however, I fear I do not the way to Midgard."
"The cave" Loki slurred from Thor's arms "'s a pathway to Midgard, London"
"Very well, T'is decided. We shall travel to Midgard"
Thor picked Loki up and led Jane toward the nearby cave, Thor jogged through the cave desperate to help his brother. He jolted Loki in his arms as he ran; he kept talking, trying to encourage him to respond, to stay awake, to stay alive.
When they finally got to Midgard Thor breathed a sigh of relief. Leaving Jane in London, with Darcy, Eric and Ian, he flew towards New York. Loki lost consciousness somewhere over the North Atlantic Ocean.
Tony sipped his coffee as he listened to Bruce ramble on about his latest research. Clint and Natasha were also sat in the living room drinking coffee and chatting whilst Bruce enjoyed a chamomile tea. Steve was with Bucky, at a therapy session for the latter, and Sam was back in DC with his support group.
It was raining outside, quite heavily. Fat rain drops hit the window with great speed, the sound echoing throughout the room. Suddenly a flash of lighting burst across the sky and was immediately followed by a loud rumble of thunder which silenced the Avengers within the room.
"Geez, whoever's pissed Thor off can they please apologise" Tony joked after a few seconds
"I bet you 10 bucks it's that smug bastard Lo-"Clint began
"Sir, Mr Odinson has arrived, he appears to have a guest that requires immediate medical assistance" JARVIS interrupted Clint
"Let him in Jay" Tony said as Bruce got up to get the first aid kit from the kitchen. He was back in his seat by the time Thor entered the room with a broken bundle of a person in his arms, however, after a quick glance Bruce realized the first aid kit would be useless.
"Please, my friends, help him"
"Holy shit is that Loki?" Tony exclaimed
"Aye, he saved my life, please don't make it cost him his."
"What happened Thor?"
"He saved the universe from eternal darkness. He was stupid and he didn't listen. I told him to stay with Jane. Keep her safe. He did so by killing all around him who posed a threat to her. He saved me from Malekith, and was stabbed in the process. He is dying"
For a moment there was yet another uncomfortable silence that filled the living room of the Avengers Tower. That was before Loki whimpered in Thor's arms and began to stir.
"Thor," he called softly "I'm sorry"
"I know Little One, I know. And I forgive you" Thor murmured
"He made me, I had to do it. He would have just sent one of the others instead. He hurt me, but this was better"
"How is he still alive?" Bruce asked, edging closer, seeing the amount of blood.
"His magic, he is healing himself, slowly. It's not enough, he's bleeding out. Most of his magic is keeping him breathing." Thor explained as Loki drifted in and out of consciousness.
"Okay, get him to the medical bay. I need to stop the bleeding" Bruce stated.
"What? You're going to help him? After everything he's done to us?" Clint protested
"Right now that doesn't matter. Right now he is a person who needs medical help. Medical help that I can give."
And with that Dr Banner, Thor and Loki left the living room and headed towards the medical bay. Clint watched after the group, Natasha and Tony standing behind him. Clint shook his head as he turned back to the others.
"What the actual fuck?" Clint snapped
"We don't know the full story Clint. Let's just wait until Loki's not dying. Thor's probably going to take Loki back to Asgard as soon he's okay" Tony shrugged
"But...""
"Clint, just leave it. We'll sort this, Okay?" Natasha said softly, "He's powerless at the moment"
Clint nodded slowly, unsure of what to do. He definitely didn't feel comfortable with Loki being in the tower; however, he didn't look like he was in any sort of position to pose a threat. Yet. What if Bruce was helping him heal, just so he could start another invasion? What if Loki was playing them?
"Look, I'll have JARVIS increase security protocols and his surveillance of Loki. I can even have him scan brain waves so we'll automatically know if Loki's up do something- even though he doesn't have his magic glow stick of destiny anymore" Tony offered "You can interrogate him later."
"Fine, you bet I will"
Bruce washed his hands again, thoroughly lathering them in soap and rubbed them against each other in an attempt to get the phantom feeling of Loki's blood off of them, despite the fact he had worn surgical gloves there had been so much blood Bruce felt like it had soaked through the gloves.
Loki would be okay. It didn't look like it at first, the stab wound had gone although Loki's lithe body, tearing its way through skin, muscle and tissue. At first Bruce couldn't stop the blood, it just kept welling up at the surface of Loki's skin, staining everything it touched with the sticky substance.
At first Bruce had thought he was already dead, Loki had been so cold, if it wasn't for the sound of him struggling to breathe Bruce would have called it right there and then. Thor had assured him that Loki's low temperature was normal for him, because of him being a Frost Giant? Strange.
Eventually, Bruce managed to stop the bleeding; through a mixture of cauterising and sewing things shut. Thor had had to help roll Loki so Bruce could look at the wound on his back. It was startling to see the scars that decorated Loki's body, even Thor had gasped in surprise at the criss-crossing lines and circular burns that were scattered all over the God's skin, claiming that it took a lot to scar them.
Bruce tried to ignore all the evidence of torture. He tried to remember the bitter and angry God that tried to rule the planet. But he couldn't. Loki would whimper and talk despite the anaesthetic. He repeated that he was sorry; he called out for his mother- to which Thor responded brokenly that she couldn't come. Thor attempted to soothe his brother by running his large hand through Loki's hair- it worked a bit.
After bandaging Loki's chest Bruce had turned to wash his hands, he hadn't stopped cleaning them yet. Out of the corner of his eye Bruce could see Thor whispering to Loki. It was strange to see the God of Thunder be quiet for once. How was this Loki the same one that tried to rule Earth?
"He will be okay, yes?" Thor asked, shaking Bruce from his thoughts.
"Hopefully, I'll keep an eye on him but all things considered he's looking pretty good. Considering how much blood he's lost he should have had a blood transfusion. But his blood is so different to that of ours and yours. It has a lower natural temperature and different counts of red and white blood cells. I can't risk giving him a transfusion, it could hurt him more." Bruce explained, Thor just nodded
"His magic should be able to help with that. Before there was so much damage it was just trying to him alive, now it can focus on healing specific areas he'll be okay"
Both Bruce and Thor watch Loki in silence for several moments. The young God appeared to be sleeping peacefully for once, snuffling slightly when he moved his head. Bruce could see Thor smiling softly as he took his brother's hand.
"You've forgiven him completely haven't you?" Bruce asked
"I promised myself I wouldn't. I promised that any love I had for him he didn't return. I swore my brother no longer existed. Our mother pushed me to visit him, but I refused, she claimed that all of this was bigger than it seemed." Thor sighed
"You see, our mother had the power of premonition, she could never say what she saw, the Norns forbade it. But that didn't prevent her from being cryptic. Before I came down to stop Loki she told me to listen to him, to focus on why he was doing this. He was confused, he couldn't remember things properly."
"What do you mean?"
"He thought I pushed him from the Bifrost, he let go, he tried to kill himself. Yet he couldn't remember. It was like his mind was distorted. Mother told me later on, that she didn't believe he was in control of his actions. I didn't believe her; I thought she was making excuses for him like she always did. Now I wish I'd visited him sooner. On Svartalfheim it was like having my little brother back. He saved my life. He protected Jane's, he protected the universe. That's the Loki I know. That's my baby brother. Not what he was during the invasion." Thor sighed "He risked everything to do what is right. In my heart I know there is no way he would want to harm Midgardians, or rule them"
"Sirs" JARVIS suddenly sounded
"Yes JARVIS" Bruce said
"Mr Stark is on his way to the medical bay with Agents Barton and Romanoff, I was told to alert them when you were finished attending to Mr Laufeyson"
"Don't call him that" Thor snapped "He's name is Friggason."
"My apologies Mr Odinson, I was going off what the Prose Edda suggests"
"You are forgiven. But for future reference that book is not accurate." Thor scowled
"What? You're telling me Loki didn't do the frick-frack with a My Little Pony and give birth to Octo-Steed?" Tony asked upon entering the room.
"I know not of what you refer" Thor shrugged "But that book does not capture my brother in a flattering light, nor myself to be truthful"
"Aw shame, I had a good ol' laugh after reading up on some of the crazy shit you and your buddies got up to back in the day" Tony laughed.
"How is he Bruce?" Natasha asked, gesturing to Loki with the tilt of her head
"He's stable" Bruce stated
"What more than that?" she pressed
"The wound on his chest has been stabilized, the bleeding stopped and it will hopefully heal in a couple of days if Thor's estimate of Loki's magic is correct. He is showing physical signs of torture. Scars cover his back, arms and torso. I haven't examined him below the waist or psychologically, however there is indication that the scaring will continue with both"
"How recent is the scaring?"
"He didn't have it before he fell from the Bifrost, it is recent" Thor commented
"So it could either be from before the invasion or during his time in prison?" Natasha queried
"It would not have happened on Asgard. There are laws about protecting prisoners. That and my mother met with Loki regularly, she would not have allowed any harm to come to him. No guard would have risked her wrath. Loki may have been a prisoner, but in a lot of people's eyes he is still a prince. Odin has yet to formally denounce him and remove him from the line of succession"
Thor pushed some fallen hair out of Loki's sleeping face; the fallen God whimpered again at the touch but made no move to wake.
"He was harmed before the invasion"
"You're saying he was controlled too, aren't you" Clint finally spoke up, Thor sighed heavily.
"I do not know without talking to him about it. But Loki has never wanted to rule, he only ever wanted to be my equal in our father's eyes. Even as children, when I dreamt of being king he longed to travel, to find a lover and marry, have children. He wanted to learn, to read, to teach. But never to rule."
"Coulson was right," Natasha said "He lacked conviction"
"Aye, it made no sense. Maybe he was controlled or coerced. I do not know. But I think we should hold off our judgement for now."
Everyone was once again silent for a moment, all thinking about Thor's revelation. Clint most of all. He couldn't blame Loki if he had also been controlled. He remembered all the time he spent with Loki. The amount of times Loki would flinch when someone brushed passed him. The amount of times he would sit there, staring off into space, before jolting back to reality- shaking in fear. He remembered Loki's hesitation to attack, he remembered Loki not knowing what to do.
Everything fell into place, all of a sudden everything made sense. Of course Loki wasn't in control; he was just following orders like the rest of them. He was just a front, a face for the invasion, someone to take the fall if everything went wrong, like it did. Loki was innocent.
"Hey guys," Steve said, walking into the room, "JARVIS told me what had happened"
"Where's Bucky?" Tony asked
"It was a tough session today, he needed some alone time" Steve stated
"If Loki's staying maybe we should get him a therapist." Bruce suggested
"Is he staying?" Steve asked, turning to Tony
"I don't know, are you gonna take him back to Asgard?"
"No, not if I can help it. Father will not listen. We technically committed treason on our way out of Asgard. I do not think we will be in the Allfather's graces. I must try and convince him to investigate Loki's torture; he will be safer away from Asgard. But if you do not wish for him to stay here I can always ask Jane to watch him." Thor explained
"As a doctor I would advice he stays here, so I can keep an eye on him" Bruce said
"Well then he can stay. As long as he doesn't cause any trouble"
"Look at him Stark;" Clint added "he doesn't look like he could cause anything right now"
"True" Tony shrugged
"I will wait until he wakes up," Thor stated, "Then I will leave for Asgard."
"Awesome, we just have one problem" Tony pointed out "Who's gonna tell Fury?"
Loki was in the palace gardens. In his mother's gardens. Which was his first clue that something wasn't quite right? Was he dead? He was supposed to be on Midgard; maybe Thor hadn't been fast enough to save him. Was he in Valhalla?
No, he was in Asgard. But why? He didn't feel dead; well he didn't think he did. Who knows what being dead feels like? Loki felt numb; looking down to his clothes they were no longer ripped. Upon feeling his chest he didn't have a gaping hole any more. Had he healed? Was he dead?
He was stood by the stone bench in his mother's garden. Besides the cool clear fountain that always ran. To the left was the tall oak tree that Loki spent most of his childhood. He would read there, hide from his brother and his friends. Part of him wanted to climb it again.
"Loki" a familiar voice called. Loki whipped around to see his mother. She wore a long blue silky dress and her blonde hair was plaited and twisted around his head in look Loki had seen frequently throughout his life.
"Mother" Loki gasped, "You're alive?"
"No my child"
"Then I am dead?"
"No," Frigga laughed, soft and musical "You're dreaming my son." Frigga said, stepping closer to him.
"So you're a figment of my imagination"
"Wrong again little one, do you think something so fickle as death would keep us apart. Maybe I cannot reach you when you are awake, I cannot be physical. But there is a thin line between unconsciousness and death, those of us who can walk the branches of Yggdrasil can cross that barrier from time to time" Frigga explained
"Did you suffer?" Loki asked, tears in his eyes, threatening to fall.
"No Loki, it was quick. Do not worry about me, everything will be fine. I'm here for you." Frigga smiled; bring a hand up to rest on Loki's cheek. Loki leaned into the touch
"What do you mean?"
"You are being given a fresh start Little Lamb. I know not of what Odin will do, but you're on Midgard. You can start again, build yourself back up. Make friends, work hard. Find yourself, do what you always wanted. This is your chance, grab it with both hands and for Norns sake do not let go." Frigga urged, taking hold of both is hands and gripping them tight. Loki nodded, sensing her urgent tone.
"You must wake up now Loki; it's time to begin this new story. The one where you are finally in control of your actions, the one where you can be free. Go, we will see each other again, this is not the end."
"Mother, about what I said-"
"I know you didn't mean it my child, you were upset and lashing out" Frigga pulled Loki into a hug "I know you love me, as I love you Little Lamb" she kissed his forehead "But for now you must wake"
"Dr Banner, I believe he is awakening" Thor's voice broke through Loki's groggy mind as he tried to open his eyes. They felt heavy and stuck and when Loki finally did manage to pry his eyelids apart for a fraction of a second he was forced to close them as the bright light burnt his irises.
"JARVIS, dim the lights" another voice called, Loki presumed it was that of Dr Banner. Once again Loki tried to open his eyes, this time with much more success. His bright green eyes opened and immediately met Thor's pale blue ones.
"Brother " Thor, who was leaning over him, broke into a large smile "You're awake" Loki couldn't help but return his brother's smile.
"Thor, give him some space" Dr Banner called, pressing his hand lightly against Thor's chest guiding him back. Loki flinched back as Dr Banner's other hand brushed against his blanket covered leg. "It's okay Loki, I won't hurt you"
"You did before" Loki croaked, his voice hoarse. He pushed himself up on weak arms so he was sitting in the bed.
"That was the Other Guy, and anyway. Do you think I'd really spend all this time sewing you back together just to hurt you?"
"I suppose that would an inefficient way to spend your time"
"Inefficient," Bruce smiled "yes. How are you feeling?"
"My throat is dry, my chest is sore and I feel dizzy" Loki replied, still a little uncertain of the doctor's intentions.
"Thor, get Loki some water" Banner said before pulling out a slim torch form a pocket and shining it in Loki's eyes. "I'm just testing your responsiveness to light. You're most likely dizzy due to dehydration but it's better to be safe than sorry"
Thor handed Loki a glass of water which he sipped slowly, knowing that no matter how much he wanted to gulp down the cool liquid he couldn't, it may make him sick. Dr Banner smiled at the pair before excusing himself out of the room. Thor brushed Loki's black hair out of his eyes, it was greasy and some of it had the sand of Svartalfheim stuck in it. As if reading his mind Thor sighed and took a black band off of his wrist.
"Turn around" Loki shifted on the bed so he was faced away from his brother. Loki didn't know where Thor got a hairbrush from but soon he was running the brush through Loki's hair.
"I know you would prefer to wash it, but its best you rest some more for now. You look tired" Thor said as he brushed his brother's hair.
"I feel tired" Loki replied simply, the pair stayed quiet for a while before Thor began to talk again.
"I have to leave now you're awake, I must return to Father"
"Why, I'm sure the old man can survive without you"
"I must speak with him on your behalf; I will not have him imprison you again. You are my brother, even if we share no blood; I will not allow him to punish you when you are innocent"
"What makes you think I am innocent?" Loki asked simply as Thor began to plait his long hair
"You once asked me if I was ever going to see through your illusions, the thing is brother; you can't cast an illusion when you're asleep." Thor explained "I've seen your scars Loki. You said Thanos was real, you said that he hurt you. That it was either you or "one of the others" that would come to invade Midgard."
"I didn't-"
"You don't have to tell me right now. I won't pretend to understand what you're going through, what you have been through. But you'll have to tell Odin when the time comes."
Loki nodded at Thor's words, well the best he could with his brother's hands in his hair. Loki sighed and focused his gaze on his hands, they were stained with blood and dirt as well, he hoped he would be able to bathe soon.
"I will" Loki said simply, "If you are leaving what is to happen to me?"
"Man of Iron says you can stay here as long as you do not cause any problems." Thor repeated the previous conversation "Banner even suggested hiring a mind healer to help you deal with what has happened. A close friend of the Captain's is also under their treatment and he claims it has helped him. Captain says he was also tortured and controlled- made to kill against his will"
"I will speak with someone if you wish" Loki said, remembering his mother's words "I wish to get better; I do not wish to feel so broken, so angry at the world. Anger and hatred meant my last words to mother were cruel and hurtful."
"I'm sure they were not that bad Loki" Thor sighed, as he worked the hair hand into Loki's hair.
"I told her she wasn't my mother" Loki whispered, turning to face Thor who froze at his words.
"Lítt Einn, she knew she was your mother. She stuck up for you, always. She loved you, she wanted me to come and see you. I was angry at you and refused, but she wanted us to resolve our differences. She wanted us to protect each other, like you protected me. She'd be so proud of you Loki"
"She would be infuriated with me" Loki laughed meekly
"Aye she would be infuriated at the two of us. I can imagine her now, "Thor Odinson, you're the oldest, you should have been more careful, you should have kept you brother safe" I have had that talk so many times"
"She would just look at me and say "I thought you were wiser then that" after she was done worrying about me of course" Loki smiled
"Of course" Thor returned the smiled; however it quickly fell from Loki's face.
"Why wasn't I allowed to go to her funeral?" The smile on Thor's face also disappeared;
"I wanted you there; we all thought you should be. No matter what you had done in the past Mother would have wanted you there. We went to Odin, the Warriors Three, Lady Sif and I, to ask for your presence. Odin refused; he claimed that you'd use it as an attempt to escape. I was so angry when I found out he'd sent a guard to tell you. I wanted to do it myself"
"Really?"
"Of course, I was mad at you but Mother had died, I needed my brother, no matter how angry I was, I still had the hope that you were still there"
"But you said-"
"I thought you liked tricks?" Loki smiled at his brother "You think I could really kill you?"
"Sentimental fool" Loki teased. Thor pulled Loki into a tight hug, making Loki wince, Thor pulled away quickly when he realised he was hurting his little brother, apologising immediately, Loki however dismissed his attempts with a playful role of his eyes.
"I love you, Little Brother"
"And I love you," Loki replied before teasingly adding "Now give us a kiss"
Thor laughed and pushed Loki's shoulder;
"You are incapable of sincerity." Thor stood up, preparing to leave "Now Lítt Einn, get some sleep, be good for the Avengers and be good." Thor kissed Loki's forehead and then he left the room to head towards Asgard. He had his brother's name to clear.
Hey Guys, I hope you like this new fic,
Lítt Einn- Little One in Old Norse
Please read and review,
~ Lyna x