Chapter Nine
Asgard was the realm of eternal spring, but up on the high peaks of Skornheim the morning wind still carried a chill that was foreign to all other regions. Thor came to like the fresh cool air, it reminded him of flying high above the many different lands of Midgard. He missed the realm and his mortal companions. If Asgard had not demanded his attention he would have returned by now.
He didn't idle up on the cliff for long, he just liked to have a bit of solitude every morning. Not that the warriors of Skornheim or Lady Sigyn were unpleasant company, but he liked to be alone with his thoughts every now and then.
He was greeted by many as he landed down in the stronghold's foggy yard. Skornheim was very different from the great palace of Asgard, reminiscent of King Bor's old mountain fort out in the Asgardian wilderness. Dark stone, dwarven steel, and enchanted wood, not a hint of gold anywhere. Thor never realised as a child, but the stronghold here made it obvious that the golden splendour of the royal city was all his father's doing. The rest of Asgard was built by his forefathers, technology was not absent of course, but the people favoured function over beauty. The stronghold also carried the marks of their history, the outer walls blackened by fire from their ancient wars with Surtur's hordes.
Thor stopped to gaze at the top spires of the robust Gate of the Sons of Ivaldi. Its smooth black surface gleamed in the first rays of the sun even through the thick morning fog. The gate led directly to Nidavellir, built by the dwarves. In his youth it confused Thor how a gate could lead to a different realm, but since then he learnt of the secret pathways on Asgard. It was clear now that the dwarves discovered the natural pathway many years ago and built the gate to control who could enter their realm. It has not been opened once since Thor arrived to Skornheim.
The yard was already filled with soldiers and citizens, and Thor nodded or smiled in greeting as he passed them. He usually had breakfast in the warrior's hall, but this morning Lady Sigyn asked him to join her in the main hall. The lady never asked for anyone just to be social, so Thor knew something must've happened.
Thor liked her well enough, and he could most certainly see why his bother used to be so fond of her when they were young. When she was calm, she was soft-spoken and kind, but in her anger, she was as fierce and unyielding as a Valkyrie. She was certainly well suited to be the Lady of the Castle.
Castle itself, in the middle of the stronghold, was nowhere near as grand as the Asgardian Royal Palace, but it's dark towers were still an impressive sight, intimidating even. Thor climbed the stairs and nodded to the guards stationed outside the open door. The great castle doors were never shut, unless the stronghold was under attack.
He would never call the Castle of Skornheim warm or welcoming, but Thor felt oddly at peace among these walls. Maybe it was just the absence of his father's fury and disapproval. His mood soured as he thought about him. He loved his father, but he's made things in Asgard unnecessarily tense and complicated. Officially, Thor was sent to Skornheim to ensure that Sigyn knew that she was honour-bound to obey her king. In reality, he feared that his father just wanted him out of the way. Odin had to know that Thor would not relay such a message to Sigyn, especially after Thor made his own disapproval clear.
He was reluctant to leave Balder in the palace. He did not fear for his life, but his father's been... unpredictable as of late. And he's never been kind to Balder to begin with. His blood-brother was a strong man, he could take care of himself, especially with his warriors by his side, but Thor couldn't help but worry.
'Good morning, Prince Thor,' he was greeted suddenly. Thor looked up and hastily gave a small bow.
'Lady Sigyn, forgive me, I was lost in my thoughts,' Thor said. She made for a striking image in her gown, her dark hair piled up on top of her head. The skirt was long but light and she wore a leather breastplate. She had no weapon on her side, but there were plenty of swords and spears decorating the walls should she require one.
'That's a common enough occurrence,' she said as she beckoned him closer. She had indeed found him gazing up at the sky deep in thought a great many times.
The main hall was half-filled with people, in the middle of their morning meal, but Sigyn had her own table at the end of the hall. The two of them made their way over there. Thor enjoyed the casual atmosphere, that the people didn't feel the need to stand up and bow to them as they passed.
Thor was surprised when Sigyn didn't take a seat at her table but walked past it towards one of the doors. He was convinced now that she had something of great importance to discuss.
'One of my warriors arrived back from the palace last night,' she said as soon as the door closed behind them. A messenger that arrived in the dead of the night was never a good sign in Thor's opinion.
'It's best if he explains the reason for his return to you personally,' Sigyn added.
'You seem calm, my Lady,' Thor pointed out. 'So, I trust nothing too dreadful has occurred.'
'How dire this news is, is for you to decide,' she said.
'Well, you've never been one for comforting words,' Thor smiled. She gave him an amused look in return.
'You hardly need coddling or platitudes, so I won't insult you by offering them.'
Thor laughed softly as she finally slowed her stride and stopped in front of another door that she pushed open without pause.
Thor recognised the young man that waited for them inside the sitting room. He mostly saw him whenever he chose to join Balder and his warriors for a meal instead of his father. Balder and his father yet to sit at the same table even once. He couldn't fault Balder for it, he was mostly just disappointed in Odin himself for his behaviour towards his youngest.
The man bowed his head in greeting once Sigyn and Thor were inside.
'Eirik, are you?' Thor asked.
'Yes. I am, my prince,' he seemed surprised that Thor remembered his name, but he found his composure very quickly. He was young still, maybe younger than Balder even, his fair hair unusually short. He had a soft face, so maybe he dreaded to make it look even softer with long locks. Loki was just the same on the cusp of manhood, only letting his hair grow out once his features sharpened.
'Has Lady Sigyn told you why I'm here?' Eirik asked then.
'No,' Thor said. 'So, tell me, what news do you bring from Balder?'
'It's not quite Balder who sent me,' Eirik said, surprising Thor. 'Not fully at least, but he agreed I should come.'
'Who sent you then?'
'Heimdall did, my Prince.'
Now that put a frown on Thor's face. Eirik continued, clearly seeing his confusion.
'Kára of the Valkyrie pulled me aside while I was on guard duty late at night. She took me to the Bifrost, making sure we were not seen by any. Heimdall was there alone, that's when he told me that I had to come here.'
Thor's mind was coming up with a thousand reasons why Heimdall sought to reach him in secret, none of them good.
'What message do you bring from Heimdall then?' He also wondered why Heimdall chose Eirik out of everyone to be his messenger, but that question could wait.
'Your brother lives,' Eirik said.
Thor inhaled deeply, his breath almost catching in his throat. Three words he's been waiting to hear for so long now. He asked both Heimdall and Brunnhilde again and again whether they could see Loki, but neither could, not anywhere in the wide universe. Yet Thor hoped, chose to believe that his brother was not gone forever. He chose to believe that Loki would be in his future and not just in his past.
His father told him that he should accept the truth and allow himself to mourn, but Thor refused. He couldn't bring himself to mourn for Loki again. He kept the warm flame of hope alive in his heart despite everything. And now that fire roared back to life in but a second.
'When… where?' Thor asked, not even sure what to ask first. 'I doubt he returned to Asgard.'
'Midgard,' Eirik said. 'And Heimdall found him about two fortnights ago.'
'Why have I been not told sooner then?' Thor asked, his joy tainted by anger.
'That's why Heimdall sent me,' Eirik said. 'The All-Father decided not to send word to you.'
'Why?'
'That I don't know,' Eirik said. 'He sent Lady Sif to capture Prince Loki. She took Fandral and two Einherjar with her.'
Dread filled Thor at the sound of that. Loki would not return to Asgard willingly, especially not if Sif and Fandral requested it. His brother was many things, but easily swayed was not one of them. Sif was stubborn too, she rarely took no for an answer when it came to missions like this. If she challenged Loki… Sif was a formidable warrior, but Loki was more powerful than most of Asgard would believe. Odin must've been mad sending them after him.
'Have they returned safely?' Thor asked. He didn't need to ask whether they succeeded in retrieving Loki, he just wanted to know whether Loki harmed them.
'Aye, they returned unharmed,' Eirik nodded. 'Empty handed, of course.'
'If my Father wanted to keep this from me, then Heimdall did well sending you to me,' Thor said. 'But I cannot fathom what the All-Father hopes to achieve by trying to keep this a secret.'
Odin and his damn secrets, Thor had long grown tired of them. Thor would've found out sooner or later, so what was the point?
'There is more,' Sigyn spoke for the first time since they've stepped into the room.
'Heimdall told me that while Loki's body perished, his spirit lives on, that he once again returned in a new form…' Eirik said. 'I can only guess what that means.'
'I know very well what it means,' Thor told him. This news did not surprise Thor as much. He's witnessed Loki's transformation before. He wondered curiously whether he currently had a brother or a sister… or perhaps neither. Not that it mattered what new shape Loki returned in, Thor was just glad to hear he was alive.
'Well,' Eirik rubbed his short hair. 'Heimdall said he was vulnerable right now. Maybe that explains why the All-Father thought four warriors would be enough to bring him back.'
That was… concerning news. Loki made some powerful enemies when he challenged the ancient demon Chthon. But if Sif and Fandral returned to Asgard without him, then Loki couldn't have been that defenceless.
'He's with friends, Heimdall said, but he advises you to return to Midgard with haste,' Eirik added.
Friends… James Barnes was certainly a friend of Loki, so maybe his brother sought him out in his hour of need. And the Captain was never far from his love. The rest of the Avengers… if Loki behaved perhaps they have established a tentative peace.
Then Eirik's expression turned grim.
'Balder told me to warn you before I left; should you return to the palace the King might not allow you to go.'
'I am more and more concerned about Odin's actions of late,' Sigyn said. 'The people of Asgard deserve better than lies and deception.'
'I am concerned as well,' Thor admitted. 'Things have not been the same since we lost Loki… that first time. Once that first ugly lie was uncovered. And then we lost my Mother…' Thor sighed.
'Asgard's golden light dimmed once her radiant spirit left it,' Sigyn agreed solemnly. 'I agree that you should return to Midgard. Heimdall would not have claimed that Loki was in a vulnerable state if it were not so. However, I fear for Balder's safety if you will be absent for long.'
And wasn't that just another shard of ice in Thor's heart; that his young blood brother might be in danger in Asgard's golden palace.
'You could ask him to return to Skornheim, but he might prove to be reluctant,' Thor said.
'He will not hide from Odin,' Eirik stated firmly.
'He most certainly will not,' Sigyn agreed. 'If there is one thing he inherited from Odin, it's his stubbornness.'
'I do not doubt Balder's strength,' Thor said.
'But the Einherjar's loyalty is to the King,' Sigyn said. 'And your golden palace has very deep dungeons.'
Thor was torn. He had a duty to Asgard and that duty included maintaining the peace. Recently, that meant keeping peace between Odin and Balder. He wanted to return to Midgard quickly, just as Heimdall advised, but he couldn't be careless right now.
Sigyn seemed to have come to some decision as she nodded to herself.
'Very well,' she said. 'It is time for a long overdue visit to the royal palace then.'
Thor just stared at her for a moment silently.
'If you arrive to the palace with an army at your back…'
'I do not intend to take all of the warriors with me,' she told him with a pleasant smile. 'But I will take enough to discourage any ill-advised course of action.'
The look in her eyes was sharper than the finest blade.
'If Odin takes it as a challenge, you could start a war,' Thor warned.
Sigyn lifted her chin, and there was not even a flicker of hesitation on her face.
'If Odin looks at his own people standing at his gate and can only see enemies, then perhaps war is exactly what he deserves.'
Thor saw from the corner of his eye that Eirik straightened up in reaction to her steely declaration.
'You cannot want that,' Thor told her.
'I do not,' Sigyn agreed. 'But I will do what I must for the good of Asgard.'
She meant it too. Thor took a large breath.
'You are not actually reassuring me that it is safe for me to leave,' Thor told her.
'I don't intent to march to the palace as a conqueror,' Sigyn said. 'I do not seek war, but I am ready for it. I will defend my people if I must.'
'My Father used to say that too,' Thor mused.
'These are uncertain times,' Sigyn continued. 'But if you have any faith in Balder and any trust in me, then you know you can leave Asgard.'
His heart was pulling Thor in two different directions, but then he looked at Sigyn, standing tall and glorious, and he remembered the fire he always saw in Balder's eyes. He thought of Heimdall and Brunnhilde, standing together as Asgard's great guardians. The people of Asgard had many champions, his home would be safe, but Loki… who else would seek out his brother if not Thor? He couldn't send anyone to Midgard in his stead, Loki would not trust any of them.
He didn't even need to speak a word, Sigyn saw it on his face that he has made his decision.
x-x-x
Finding his way back to Midgard without the Bifrost was a challenge, but it was not an impossible task. He knew there were secret pathways around Asgard, but he didn't know where to look for them without his brother's aid. With Lady Sigyn's aid however, the solution was simpler than Thor expected.
'I thought only the dwarves could open the Gate from their end?' Thor asked as he looked up at the black gate of the Sons of Ivaldi.
'Yes, but I have my way to ask them to open it for us,' she said. 'This is not common knowledge, for reasons you surely understand.'
'And you really think the dwarves have their own way to reach Midgard? When they needed aid, we could only every reach them with the Bifrost'
'They might not have a way to transport entire armies, but I don't doubt they can help you… there will be a price though. And you will need to bargain with Eitri yourself.'
Thor just grinned at the look she gave him.
'Eitri likes me,' Thor declared cheerfully.
'If you say so.'
Sigyn walked closer to the gate. Thor followed, but at a slower pace, allowing a small distance to appear between them. Her way of opening the gate appeared to be a closely guarded secret and Thor was not here to learn things that were not for him to know. So, he didn't actually see what Sigyn did, but he noticed when the stone pillar in front of her lit up with magic. The deeply carves sigils that decorated the dark stone pulsed with power for long moments.
Sigyn walked back to Thor's side and waited. Thor eyed the gate curiously. He only saw this gate open once and he still remembered the sight fondly.
When the glow suddenly vanished Thor stared at the gate in confusion for a second, but when he glanced at Sigyn she was still just waiting patiently. A moment later the gate started to hum. Thor knew no other word to describe the sound. The dark stone hummed in a deep resonating melody, both a rumble Thor could feel in his chest and a light tune that tickled his ears.
The stone started to shift, dislodging some dust that gathered on its surface. The doors were made up of thousands of small pieces. The round parts spun like cogwheels, the rectangular ones moved and shifted aside, back towards the pillars. And slowly the gates opened. The sight beyond was a lot familiar now than it was the first time Thor saw it. The mouth of a cave filled with colourful crystals and in the darkness of the tunnel the endless void of space.
'Time to go,' Sigyn said. 'They won't keep the way open for you for long. I'll tell Odin that Nidavellir requested your aid. If Heimdall keeps silent, he will never know where you went… at least not right away.'
'Thank you for your help, Lady Sigyn,' Thor said. 'And not just with the gate…'
'Have faith in us, Thor,' she said. 'Asgard's woes are not a burden you can carry on your own.'
Thor gave her nod then spun Mjölnir and flew into the gate. The cave itself was short, almost as soon as Thor was inside he could feel the energy snapping around his limbs, pulling him forward, much faster than he could've flown on his own. Then he was out in space. The sight was almost like travelling with the Bifrost… but the feeling. The pull was unpleasant, the passage unstable and wild. His stomach kept sinking and rising. Thor was not worried for his safety, but he was glad now that he did not stop for breakfast before he left.
When the energy abruptly let him go he tried his best to land on his feet, but his momentum was too fast. He saw the smooth stone floor only a moment before his face smacked into it. Not the most dignified arrival.
He heard a quiet rumbling laugh and he turned his head to spot two enormous boots.
'Graceful as ever,' Eitri said. Thor could not fault him for his mirth, he was lying on the floor after being spat out by a cosmic pathway after all. Thor got to his feet and shot the dwarf a grin, looking up at his smirking face.
'Thank you for opening the gate, Eitri,' Thor said to him. 'I'm most grateful.'
'I'm just confused,' Eitri said. 'Why come here through this gate and not use the Bifrost? What are you up to?'
Thor really did like Eitri, but dwarves never did any favours for free, not even for a Prince of Asgard. He sighed and said, 'I need your help.'
x-x-x
'I don't know,' Eitri scratched at his beard. 'Odin's still King, you know. He could accuse me of treason.'
They sat at a table in one of Eitri's smaller workshops, each with a tankard of ale. Eitri listened quietly while Thor talked, slowly finishing his drink. He was dressed very casually, for a king, he wore his work clothes, signed by fire and smudged with soot. He must've been by his forge when Sigyn made the unexpected call to Nidavellir. Even his long hair was in a bit of a disarray.
'For helping me get to Midgard?' Thor asked.
'You never know with him,' Eitri shrugged. 'Now, if it were simply a deal and not a favour…'
Thor shook his head, but he had to smile too.
'You don't need to twist my arm, Eitri. I knew you would want something in return, so name your price.'
Eitri huffed, getting up from his large chair.
'No patience for the fine art of bargaining in you,' he said, chiding him. 'Your brother's always been more fun to make deals with.'
'I mean no disrespect Eitri, I would just rather get to Midgard as quickly as possible.'
Eitri just grumbled something quietly, but then gestured Thor to follow him.
There were a lot of dwarves around once they reached the main crafting hall. The air was shimmering with the heat of the forges, most of all the grand forge, heated by the dying star Nidavellir was orbiting.
'I have one way to get you to Midgard fast,' Eitri said. Thor had to walk quickly to keep up with the dwarf's giant steps. 'But I will want something of equal worth in exchange.'
'If it is mine to give, then the deal sounds fair.'
'Don't agree quite so readily,' Eitri warned.
Thor eyed the weapons and armour lining the walls as they moved further down the long crafting hall. Other dwarves were working on machines Thor has never seen before. He was curious about them but did not slow down. If he had the time, he would stop to admire the magnificent work the dwarves did.
When they arrived Eitri lifted his arm without a word. Thor looked up to see what he was pointing at and saw a great battle axe. Eitri walked closed to the weapon and Thor followed. The axe had a long slightly curved haft, while the poll was shaped like a hammer.
'Definitely one of your finest works,' Thor said, staring at the weapon. 'If not the finest of them all'
'I have given it the name; Stormbreaker,' Eitri said. 'It is mighty, forged from uru… a King's weapon.'
Thor turned away from the axe to look at Eitri.
'No, I have not intended to give it to you… not yet,' the dwarf said. 'You're not a king yet. I don't know if your power has grown enough to wield this weapon.'
'I already have a weapon, Eitri. Mjölnir has served me well.'
'But that hammer was not intended for you,' Eitri said.
Which was true, since Mjölnir was forged long before his birth, but Thor didn't think that mattered much. He earned the right to wield Mjölnir.
'I had a dream…' Eitri continued. 'A dream of a great war with many deaths. Perhaps a vision sent to me by the Norns, a dreadful nightmare. Whatever it was, whoever sent it, when I woke up I knew I had to forge this weapon. I worked day and night, like a man possessed, and finally I finished it just a few days ago… and now here you are, as if summoned. Curious thing indeed.'
Thor turned back towards the weapon, considering Eitri's words.
'I too had a vision of the future,' he said. 'A Vakyrie aided me… I saw destruction, a battle on Midgard.'
'Then perhaps there really are dark times ahead,' Eitri said, nodding grimly.
Thor couldn't help but think of Leah. She vanished when Loki did not return from Chthon's realm. She said she couldn't exist without him. Perhaps now that Loki was back… she was certainly someone known to pull invisible strings. They have already avoided one dreadful future. Maybe she was out there somewhere guiding them to avoid another.
'I have never forged a weapon stronger than this one…' Eitri said then. 'It can do more than just enhance your power… it can summon a Bifrost.'
Thor's head snapped back towards Eitri, almost shocked at the news. Not even his father's spear Gungnir was capable of this.
'I doubt I have anything of equal value, Eitri,' Thor said.
'Perhaps not equal, but close enough,' the dwarf king said. 'If you feel confident you can wield its power, then you can have the Stormbreaker… if Mjölnir is returned to me.'
Thor's hand instinctively tightened around his hammer. Give up Mjölnir?
'But why do you want it?' Thor couldn't help but ask.
'Odin's enchantment intrigues me,' Eitri said. 'Makes Mjölnir valuable enough to exchange it for Stormbreaker.'
Thor glanced down at his hammer in his hand. He came to Nidavellir knowing that Eitri would not aid him for free, but Mjölnir? Stormbreaker was a mighty and powerful weapon, but Thor still found himself hesitating. He could face his father, demand to be allowed to return to Midgard. His Father might deny it… then Thor would have to leave by openly disobeying the King, forcing Heimdall or Brunnhilde to commit treason by allowing him to use the Bifrost. Balder would take his side, angering Odin even more… he couldn't do that, not when Asgard was in such a fragile state.
His brother needed him… the choice was clear. Thor lifted Mjölnir, looking at it again more closely, remembering all the battles he fought with his weapon. He would miss its familiar weight, the sound it made when it flew, but he had to do this… he had to.
'Very well,' he agreed quietly.
Eitri smiled, pleased with his decision. It was a little odd, that he was so willing to part with his best weapon yet so easily, but perhaps his vision had something to do with it.
'Good-good. Now, until I figure out your Father's clever enchantment, I'd rather you just left Mjölnir right here on this stand,' Eitri said. Sure enough, Thor spotted an empty pedestal to the side.
Putting Mjölnir on the stand felt… like letting go of a part of himself. But he could also feel Stormbreaker calling to him, in a way not even Mjölnir ever called to him. Perhaps that's what Eitri meant when he said Mjölnir was not forged for him. Stormbreaker had never been wielded by another, and Eitri had him in mind when he crafted this weapon. This battle axe was made for him, his hand, and his power over storms, lightning, and thunder.
'Go on,' Eitri encouraged. 'Take it then, I recognise the look in your eyes.'
Thor did not hesitate. He lifted his arm instead of walking up to the weapon and, as expected, the axe flew into his hand readily, almost eagerly. Thor could feel a storm building under his skin the moment he touched the long haft.
He didn't notice the electricity scorching the air all around him, small flashes of lightning running up and down his skin. He was lost in the feeling of Stormbreaker's magic resonating with the power inside of him in perfect harmony.
'You have grown strong, Odinson,' Eitri said, unbothered by the small lightning storm in his workshop. 'It suits you well. Safe travels.'
And with that, he just turned and left, but then, he's never been much for fanfare. He was probably busy with work and was eager to return to it.
Thor eyed his new weapon for another moment as the storm inside him quieted down. Eitri told him the truth, he knew he could travel to Midgard with the aid of this axe, he could feel it. He looked at Mjölnir one last time, as a final goodbye, then turned to go. He had no more time to waste.
x-x-x
Summoning the power of the Bifrost with Stormbreaker was unlike anything Thor's ever experienced before. It was nothing like the storms he summoned. It was so much more. The sheer power at his fingertips was almost daunting. The way the cosmic pathway opened for him towards Midgard was exhilarating. The journey was steady and straight, just like the Bifrost always was. Stormbreaker's magic was wholly under Thor's will, a far cry from the wild energies of the pathway he took to Nidavellir.
He was glad Eitri has not forged this weapon sooner. His younger, more foolish self would have been unworthy of such power. He would've misused it, it would've fed the wild beast that was his arrogance. Even his mind might have crumbled under the weight of Stormbreaker's strength.
The journey to Midgard was not significantly longer than it would've been from Asgard and soon Thor's feet touched down on the familiar roof of Stark's tower. He glanced down at the concrete and noticed that the marks burnt into the ground were slightly different from what he was used to see. At first glance it appeared almost the same, but Thor saw the Bifrost marks enough to notice minor differences.
'Thor, welcome back,' Vision greeted him as he appeared before him.
'Apologies, my friend,' Thor said. 'I've not noticed you approaching.'
'I've been told before that I'm too quiet,' Vision said with a mild smile, then he stepped forward to take Thor's hand in greeting. Thor gave him a smile in return.
'A new weapon, I see,' Vision said as he glanced down at the axe. 'I'm almost afraid to ask what happened to Mjölnir.'
'Nothing sinister, thankfully,' Thor told him. 'I had to exchange it for this one.'
Vision looked curious, but he did not ask.
'We've been all waiting for you,' Vision said then. 'We expected you sooner, to be honest. Especially after the… unpleasantness of the last visit we had from Asgard.'
Thor frowned. He knew Sif was sent after Loki, and he assumed Loki was with his friend James Barnes, but now he had confirmation that the other Avengers were also involved in the confrontation.
'Is everyone unharmed?' Thor asked hurriedly. Eirik told him that Sif and Fandral returned to Asgard safely, so he hoped none of his mortal friends got hurt either.
'It did not come to blows,' Vision said, dissipating Thor's worries. 'Wanda and I were able to convince them that drawing their weapons would be unwise.'
'I'm glad to hear that,' Thor said. 'But I don't quite understand. I would not have expected you all to stand between Loki and Asgard like this, not even after everything that happened.'
Vision frowned lightly.
'We could hardly hand him over to be chained and dragged off to Asgard the way he is right now.'
He sounded almost baffled by the very idea. If the Avengers thought that it would be unjust to allow Loki to be captured and imprisoned… by the Nine, that did not bode well. Maybe his brother couldn't return from Chthon's realm whole, maybe escaping from the demon god left him even weaker than Thor first assumed.
'I've been told Loki's vulnerable. Is it truly so serious then? What happened to him? Where is he?'
Vision tilted his head as he looked at Thor.
'Oh, you do not know,' he said in surprise. 'The other Asgardians seemed well informed…'
Thor let out an angry noise.
'My Father kept this from me,' Thor rumbled angrily. 'Loki came back, and they wouldn't even send word to me! If not for Heimdall and the Valkyrie, I still wouldn't know! I came here as soon as I could. Please Vision, tell me, what ails Loki?'
Vision considered him for a moment.
'He's well,' he said then, probably attempting to sound reassuring, but he was not very good at it. 'But perhaps it's best if I take you to him.'
He took to the skies immediately and Thor followed. Flying with Stormbreaker was… different, but Thor pushed aside the thought. There was no time to muse about his new weapon. He was just glad that his instincts were correct, Loki did need him. Despite the worry he felt for his brother a weight lifted from his shoulders. He made the right choice coming to Midgard, his Father be damned.
x-x-x
Thor spotted the unfamiliar complex long before they arrived, but he didn't need to ask what this place was once he spotted the large "A" logo on the roof of one of the buildings. Stark must have decided that a new headquarters was in order. Thor did not disagree, not after the last battle that took place at the tower.
Vision landed softly by one of the entrances. Thor landed a bit more heavily, but he took care not to crack the pavement accidentally. The doors opened for Vision automatically and Thor followed him hurriedly, their capes billowing behind them.
The interior was sleek, bright, and open, as expected from Stark.
'This is to be our new base of operations,' Vision answered his unvoiced question. 'The move is not quite complete yet, but some of us decided to relocate in advance.'
'And Loki's here with the rest of you?'
Thor couldn't keep the disbelief out of his tone.
'This way,' Vision said, avoiding his question. Thor was getting impatient. He needed to know what was wrong with his brother and he couldn't understand why Vision couldn't just tell him.
Thor had a frown firmly on his face by the time he and Vision reached the top of the stairs. They arrived in a large living room. White walls, red and soft brown furniture. There was a table with many chairs at one end, which Thor knew for sure were for mission briefings. He also spotted a kitchen. His friends were by the sofas though, Steve, Tony, Bruce and Natasha. Thor didn't catch what they were discussing, but it must've been something serious, from the stern look on Natasha's face. Steve and Bruce looked calm, while Tony looked stressed… and stubborn.
They all turned and looked up when Vision and Thor arrived. Most of them looked relieved to see him, which just made Thor more worried.
'Man, you really took your time,' Tony said in lieu of a greeting. 'We expected you weeks ago.'
'I have not been told,' Thor said gravely. 'No, that makes light of the situation. My Father kept this from me.'
'That explains a few things,' Natasha sighed.
Steve and Tony exchanged a look.
'Are things in Asgard really that bad?' Steve asked. His concern for Thor's world and people warmed Thor's heart.
'My father's stubborn as an ox and can't fathom being in the wrong,' Thor said. 'It will be well. Now, my brother… I must see him. I've been told he's not well, but I still do not know what ails him.' He shot Vision a displeased look at that, because he should've just told him already.
'He doesn't know,' Vision added.
'I would know if you spoke plainly!' He's never been known for much patience, but even his small reserves were running low now.
'This ought to be good,' Tony said as he headed out. Thor followed and so did Steve. Vision remained behind with Bruce and Natasha.
'Nice axe, by the way,' Tony commented as they walked. 'New model?'
'I will sate your curiosity once I've spoken to my brother,' Thor told him firmly. Tony wisely noticed that he was not in a talkative mood and did not ask about his weapon again.
'He's fine, you know,' Steve spoke up then. 'He's not hurt or anything, so you can relax.'
'You are all so secretive about this,' Thor grumbled.
'It's not that… it's just much easier if you see him in person.'
Tony stopped by a half-open door and glanced back at Thor. Thor caught the murmur of James' voice before Tony knocked on the wood and pushed the door open. It was unusually polite of him, but then, James Barnes was not someone you wanted to surprise, that much Thor knew about the man. Steve gestured for Thor to follow. He didn't know what he expected to see, but his muscles tightened in trepidation just before he stepped inside.
Later, he would be embarrassed by the fact that he dropped Stormbreaker right then and there, the axe landing on the carpet with a heavy thud. The vision of that snow-covered field came back to him so viscerally that he could almost feel the icy wind on his face again… and the small figure with the raven-black hair all alone in the endless frost… and now he stared at a soft round face and two sharp green eyes. He was speechless and rooted to the spot.
The boy sat on the floor in front of James, some tiny Midgardian machine in his hands, all but forgotten now as he stared back at Thor. James broke the silence when he leaned closer to the boy.
'Do you recognise him?' he asked.
That question alone was enough to set Thor's mind racing. There was no doubt in his mind that he was looking at his brother, but he was different. The expression on his face, the way he sat there on the carpet, the way he held his body, it was a sight Thor couldn't recall from their childhood.
The boy stared at him with widened eyes. He looked at Thor with some recognition, but he did not move or say anything. Then a small shine of tears sprung into his green eyes, which finally made Thor move. He towered over the boy, so he was quick to lower himself to his knees. Loki looked even younger up close, his shoulders were small and delicate… vulnerable. Thor was lost for words for long moments looking at him.
'Hello, brother,' he said in the end, just to say something.
'Hi,' Loki greeted as well. The softness of his tone made him sound shy or unsure, but he still just kept staring at Thor. 'You came,' he said then, a hint of disbelief in his voice.
'Of course, I did,' Thor told him. 'As quickly as I could.'
Loki nodded, then finally looked away from Thor's face. He started looking at his armour, taking in the details, he even reached out towards his vambrace curiously, but he hesitated.
'It's fine, it's fine,' Thor said with a smile, reaching out towards Loki so he could look at the engravings more closely. His brother always liked fine craftsmanship, even as a boy. Thor kept the smile on his face, but he felt overwhelmed. This wasn't just a new shape; his brother was a child. He was so small, young and fragile.
Odin must have known, but he still sent Sif and Fandral to "capture" him. Why? Why?
There was a spark of electricity when Loki reached out towards the metal and the boy pulled his hand back hastily.
'Sorry,' he said as he clutched his own hand. 'It happens with Wanda… So, you're magic too!'
'Don't worry, it won't hurt,' Thor told him, keeping the smile on his face and trying his best to shove the anger at his Father to the back of his mind. There was a trick Loki liked when they were growing up. In hindsight, it was dangerous when they were kids, but Thor had better control now. He let a small lighting spark up in his hand, the electricity running up and down his forearm and between his fingers.
Loki's eyes lit up in delight, just as Thor expected, and he reached out towards him again, his fingertips lightly catching a few small sparks.
'I can do fire, but Doctor Strange said not to when he's not around,' the boy said.
'Control is an issue,' James added, as an explanation.
'I haven't even set fire to anything,' the boy complained, shooting James a sulky look. That look Thor was more familiar with, but it was still odd to see it again.
Thor let the sparks vanish, suppressing them again. It took a moment for Loki to look up at his face again.
'So, if you're back… does that mean we have to leave?' he asked. He directed the question at Thor, but he quickly turned to look back at James again, as if seeking reassurance.
Thor thought of Asgard and his Father, and he had to swallow his anger firmly once more…
'No, we'll stay for a while,' Thor told him. Loki's smile was small, but the spark of happiness in his eyes spoke louder than words. And Thor… he had a lot to figure out.
x-x-x
Author's Note:
Hey everyone! Thank you for supporting this story and following it along. I'm happy to say that I've been accepted to a Creative Writing Master's Degree course that starts this September! (Yay!) But I will still be working full-time alongside my studies. This means that the free time I spent writing fanfics will have to go into writing and reading for my course. I have every intention of finishing this story, but unfortunately it might go on hiatus from time to time.
Thank you for your understanding and wish me luck!
-Scy 29-07-18
