A/N - Wow, wow, wow, wow! Cannot believe the amount of support this story has received already! Thanks so much to those who alerted and favourited the story.
Super special thanks goes to my wonderful reviewers: Crystal, Prncss Bunny, randomwriter90, MammonDaughter, .Vodka, Guest and KW. You are spectacular people who have really motivated me with your kind words and praise. It really means a lot and I can't thank you enough really. All I can really do is give you all a virtual hug and say a big thanks again.
So this chapter is a bit of a filler, but the first part is a flashback so you get to see how Serenity first meets the Princes.
Disclaimer: I own neither, but really really wish I did.
Path to Redemption
Chapter Two: Memories Awakening
"Welcome again, my dear friend" Frigga stated warmly, embracing the woman with silvery hair before her. Her hairstyle was most strange and despite the numerous times Frigga and Serenity had crossed paths, the Asgardian Queen was still not used to it. Frigga didn't fail to notice how the Princess had copied the same hairstyle – two circular buns atop her head with the lose hair cascading down towards the floor. It was most unique.
"It has been too long, and for that I am sorry. I must admit I am sorrier to say that this visit is more to do with business than leisure. Nevertheless, it is good to see you" Queen Serenity replied in kind, though it was a little sheepish too.
"I see you have brought your daughter too" Frigga added with a small smile and she shifted her gaze towards the young child. Had it not been for her blonde hair, Frigga might have thought her to be a smaller copy of the older woman before her.
"How fairs the King?" the young child asked genially, as she peered up at the glorious Asgardian Queen. Frigga gazed upon the Moon Princess with wide eyes, as she was overcome by shock. The maiden before her couldn't have been much younger than her sons. Children their age were not usually so concerned with the welfare of others – particularly those they had met only once before. And if they were to ask, it was usually out of a forced politeness to ensure manners and niceties were adhered to. Yet, none of that evident in the young maiden's tone – it was instead full of compassion, kindness and sincerity. In fact, there was something decidedly different about this one – she could sense it, and knew that the maiden before her would amount to something great.
"Odin is well, thank-you for asking" Frigga replied warmly once she had recovered from the surprise.
"I'm so glad to hear it" the Moon Princess said with the most genuine warmth Frigga had ever heard.
Suddenly the golden Grand Hall doors opened and in walked the King accompanied by his two sons. Though they were brothers, they could not have been more different – it was as obvious as night and day. The Moon Princess looked towards the two with a friendly smile upon her face. It was filled with so much kindness that it could have melted the heart of any Frost Giant.
It was the first time she had met the famed Princes of Asgard, and was nothing short of surprised to notice they were her age. In fact, one appeared quite similar to her with bright blue eyes, sun-kissed skin and golden hair. The other, however, had a milky white complexion as though he hadn't seen the sun. His eyes were an enticing sea green colour and his hair colour resembled that of a raven. She was sure he would stand out from the crowd, and even at the tender age of thirteen she thought him to be quite beautiful.
"Queen Serenity, to what do we owe the pleasure?" Odin asked as he outstretched his arms in warm-hearted welcome.
"I wish to seek your council" Queen Serenity replied with a grim but controlled countenance. Odin understood immediately, recognising there was must be an urgent matter with Midgard to attend to.
"And this is the young Princess, you have grown I see" Odin said, casting his friendly gaze upon the girl.
"Though not much in height you must have noticed" the blonde maiden responded with a cheeky smile. Shocked by her quick-wit, even if it was to laugh at herself, Odin began to laugh heartily. Soon enough, the others followed and the sounds of happiness reverberated from the walls.
Both Odin and Frigga knew Loki to be a shy, introverted yet ambitious individual. He didn't have many friends, and seemed to be quite a lonely soul. Though they tried to help him, it seemed a lost cause. But they were surprised to see the smile that graced the younger prince's face and the light-hearted chuckle that erupted from him. It had always been difficult to bring Loki out of his shell, but this young girl's bright shine had called to him. The two shared an optimistic gaze, hoping that perhaps Loki could find a close life-long friend in her.
Usagi felt light-headed, airy and weightless but nevertheless found it to be the most wonderful feeling. She had never felt such peace before, and was happy to have rested and regained the energy lost in the final battle. She could feel herself regaining a firm grasp upon her mind, recalling all that had come to pass. To know that she had rescued her friends and given them a new chance at a real life filled her with such joy, it overwhelmed her.
Wherever she was, she felt a familiarity – as though it had once been a place she called home. Perhaps she had returned to Earth, or if her wildest fantasies had come true - the Moon Kingdom. Usagi could feel her powers regenerating and stabilising. No longer feeling feeble and exhausted, she slowly began to open her eyes. Immediately the warrior was met with a harsh glare of light, but within moments the blurry haze had subsided as she saw as clear as day.
She gave a slight gasp and cast her awe-struck gaze about the beautiful golden room she was currently residing in. Usagi couldn't help but feel the lurch of familiarity and cast her mind back to the dream she'd had. But as she thought about it once more, she became even more convinced that it was in fact a memory. There was only one way to find out…
Although, her limbs were still aching from the ordeal she had been through, the Moon Princess sat herself up in bed. Upon second glance at herself, she noticed she wore mortal clothing. It was the same clothing she wore before being dragged into battle… even though she had refused to fight. With much care and consideration taken to ensure she didn't damage herself further, Usagi left the bed and shuffled gently towards the bathroom. Her wounds were still healing and she knew a bath would do her some good. In all honesty she was surprised they had healed so quickly thus far… perhaps she had been helped along? Or had she been asleep for longer than it felt?
As she shed her clothing and cautiously lowered herself into the warm water, she couldn't help but wonder why she had been brought here. Was she truly needed here? If so, then what for? This place was familiar to her… from a childhood that had been so cruelly cut short. As the calming water washed over her in waves, she began to piece together the memories she had long since forgotten in the hope she would understand why destiny had brought her here.
It had been five days since that mysterious maiden had materialised from nothing. After three days the buzzing gossip surrounding her unknown identity had died down. It seemed that only the King and Queen knew exactly who she was… or were they unsure? Loki's trial had been postponed until just yesterday when he had been stripped of all his powers, locked away in solitary confinement with his lips still sewn shut. He was sure he would go insane, and wondered whether there would be more of his punishment to come. It seemed the Asgardian people, bar his 'family' wanted his blood. They wanted him to suffer for his crimes against humanity. He would try to claim Earth again, once he had escaped from his prison of course. It would only be a matter of time before he discovered a way to do it.
Loki knew he would slowly drift into a silent madness within these claustrophobic walls. The thought sent a white-hot rage throughout his body, one so fiery it could it have burned hell. He stared blankly at the wall, wondering how he managed to fail against a group of lacklustre mortals. Granted they had abilities and special skills but he was a God, above them in every possible way. Loki also knew The Other would be out for his blood since he failed… adding yet another person to the unending list of beings who wanted him gone. Well, they would all fall eventually and he was certain his silver-tongue would get him out of harm's way with The Other and his master. He'd have to find a different alien race to use against the Earth… maybe the Skrulls would be a good option.
Suddenly, Loki was brought out of his thoughts by the two guards who kept him securely stuck in his prison.
"Did you hear… the woman that appeared from nowhere has awoken, and the King has requested her presence" one whispered, not so quietly, to the other.
"No… how did you hear about this?" the other one replied hastily, his eyes alight with curiosity.
"The one who was sent to watch over her" the first replied. Suddenly, the sound of boots hitting the floor echoed down the hallway.
"The King has also requested the presence of Loki… he said it is a matter of urgency" the servant who had just arrived announced hastily.
Soon enough, the two guards entered the room warily. It almost irked Loki considering he lacked his powers yet Asgardians still feared him. After the clumsy fools had managed to handcuff him they dragged him from the cell so that he could face his father once again. Though what use could he be with his lips sewn shut and no magic? Why was he even requested to be among his 'family' once more? Surely it defied the meaning of his punishment… to live in solitary confinement? Perhaps his new punishment was to be humiliated to the masses? He didn't understand what could be so important, but had a strong feeling it had something to do with the strange maiden who had appeared.
So there it is, I hope you like it. The next chapter will see everyone discovering it is Serenity and we get to see their reactions. I cannot wait to write it actually, so it should be up soon. Also it'll be longer, as will most of the chapters that follow - hopefully.
Again I hope everyone is true to character. If you see any errors or mistakes you want to point out, feel free to do so. I welcome constructive criticism.
Feel free to leave a review and hope you liked it.
