Good Parenting

Chapter 10: Reunited

"While we teach our children all about life,

our children teach us what life is all about."

~ Angela Schwindt

~O~O~O~O~O~

The instant Thor and Sleipnir reached Asgard, their first destination was the dungeon. Sleipnir changed into his human form as they approached the guards who stood at the black gate. They eyed the Thunder god as he approached.

In an instant, they stopped the pair.

"What business dost thou have here, my Lord?"

Thor straightened himself to his full height.

"I'm here to see my brother. Tis an important matter, so make haste."

The guards nodded, opening the gate with a creak and leading him into the prison.

Sleipnir reached out, grabbing his Uncle's hand tightly, following them through the familiar halls of the prison.

"How are we going to get Mommy out of here?" he asked.

Thor hesitated. He hadn't really had a plan. That was his brother's thing. Thor's plans usually consisted of going in, hammer drawn, saying something about being the Son of Odin, and smashing things. It was sound and worked 85% percent of the time. That was good enough for him.

"If it's to save Midgard, I'm sure my Father will understand." He replied. It was honestly the most he could manage.

Sleippy nodded with blind trust.

"Okay."

There was something about Grandpa, and Uncle Thor said it, so the logic was sound to him!

If there was anyone who could help his Mommy, it was Uncle Thor!

The colt looked up, grabbing the man's hand. He looked uneasy, but Sleippy didn't know why. The cell became so familiar to the lad, he barely even recognized the grim condition that it was kept in. He always just followed the guards and waited to see his Mommy; nothing to it!

He was sure that Mommy would be happy to see Uncle Thor. They were brothers after all, and even though he said mean things about him, Sleippy could understand that Mommy was just sad. He fumbled in his pocket, checking to see that his Mom's present was still there. Feeling the smooth surface brush against his fingertips, he grinned.

As they approached the familiar cell, the pair watched as it was opened. Sleippy grinned, excited to give his Mommy the present.

"Mommy, Mommy, Mommy!" he exclaimed, running into the cell and wrapping his arms about the prisoner's waist.

Thor watched, filled with a sudden humility, as he stood; the door locked behind him.

From over the top of the colt's head, Loki's eyes drifted to his brother.

"What are you doing here?" he asked.

The Trickster wasn't expecting such a guest. The Thunder god visited on occasion, but with such rarity that he was always surprised by them.

"I actually come here with a request, Brother." Thor answered, though seeing Loki break into a smirk; he felt his insides grow uneasy.

"A request?"

Loki chuckled darkly, his eyes gleaming with the familiar mischief of their youth.

"How do you expect me to help you? My surroundings are a bit... lacking."

Green eyes looked about the crowded cell.

Thor's frown deepened.

"This is about your children, Loki. Now is not the time for your sarcasm." He muttered.

Loki chuckled, releasing his embrace on Sleipnir.

Despite the fear that fluttered in his chest, he remained calm. He knew something bad was happening to his kids.

"What about them? Are you just jealous?" he asked, breaking into a smirk, "For once, have the tables turned?"

Thor stood strong, his eyes remaining on his brother.

"Nay, brother. I want to know why you'd send your children to Midgard!" he demanded, "They're killing people!"

Loki rolled his eyes.

"Thor, you know the lives of your beloved mortals mean nothing to me. My children can hold their own against a couple of Midgardians."

Thor's eyes narrowed.

"They're also killing each other."

That silenced the Trickster from his next snarky comment, knocking the words from his throat. Awkwardness filled the air, but Loki was the first to break it as he stared up at his stepbrother.

"Let me guess… you want me to go down there and make everything okay?"

Thor nodded.

"If not for me or for Midgard, do it for your own flesh and blood." The Thunderer reasoned.

Loki remained silent, his eyes lowering to the top of his son's head.

The colt looked up, giving him a grin, hugging him around the waist again.

The Sorcerer frowned, hugging the boy tighter as Thor looked on expectantly. He was growing impatient for this answer.

Finally, Loki looked up.

"No."

Thor took a step back, taken aback by the heartless reply.

Fumbling for his words, he opened his mouth, trying to respond.

Loki merely watched him, shaking his head.

"Don't take my response as callousness, Thor. I see it as an opportunity." He continued, "Besides, what's the worst that could happen? My children die?"

The Trickster watched as Thor shifted uncomfortably, enjoying every second of it. It had been too long since he held such control in his hands and he was going to relish it.

"You forget that my daughter is the Goddess of Death. I could see my children whenever I wish!" he laughed.

Sleipnir, oblivious to what they were talking about, laughed along with his Mother.

"Yeah, Mommy can see us whenever he wants!" he agreed happily.

Thor's frown deepened.

"Well, then I see no reason for me to be here. Come on, Sleipnir. We'll go lend my comrades whatever aid we can manage." He muttered.

Sleipnir hesitated, looking between the pair.

"B-but I never gave Mommy his present!" he exclaimed, looking back to Loki, "Mommy, I have your present!"

Loki gave a smile.

"Later, dear one." He replied, "I'm sure it's lovely."

Sleipnir nodded excitedly.

"It's really shiny, Mommy! You'll love it!"

"I know, child." He answered, stroking the boy's hair.

He glanced at Thor challengingly.

I have all the time in the world.

"Sleipnir, we must return." Thor said, trying to keep the anxiety out of his voice.

His friends were running out of time and he needed to get back to them before Jormungand caused any more havoc.

Loki chuckled, knowing that tense, nervous look in his Brother's eyes. He knew that look all too well.

"You'd really separate my son from his mother, Uncle Thor?" he mocked, "He just got here."

Thor gave an impatient growl.

"You know I'm running out of time." He argued, "You know that full well! A-and what do you mean 'opportunity'?"

Loki didn't reply, but only knelt down to meet his son's gaze, completely ignoring Thor's response.

"What do you think I should do, Sleipnir? Does Uncle Thor deserve my help?"

Sleipnir nodded without hesitation, much to the Thunderer's satisfaction.

"I think you should, Mommy. Plus Fenny, Hela, and Jorry need your help too! Fenny is hurt!" the colt exclaimed.

The Trickster took a moment to consider before standing up and turning to Thor.

"Fine."

Thor was about to respond, when Loki lifted a hand to silence him.

"On one condition…"

Thor paused.

"I should've known…" he muttered, "What is it?"

Straightening to his full height, Loki stared at his brother.

"I want my freedom from here."

The Thunder god settled, unsurprised by his brother's response.

"I'll talk to Father about-."

Pushing Sleipnir to the side, Loki lunged forward, grabbing Thor by the collar of his armor.

"I want a guarantee, Thor. A simple promise of impossibility won't incline me to save your pathetic mortals. I want a guarantee of my freedom. I want out of this cell." He snarled, an animalistic sneer on his face.

Thor looked at him calmly, unsurprised by the outburst. He shook his head.

"You know I can't do that, Brother."

Loki gave another snarl.

"Don't call me that to try and win me over, Odinson. If you can't guarantee me out of here, then we have no deal."

He released his grip on Thor, settling back and making his way back to the cot that sat near the back of the cell.

Thor growled.

"I won't break the rules for you, Brother… but I will speak to Father on your behalf," he answered.

He turned on his heel, knocking on the door of the cell to be let out.

"My visit here is done, but I will return." He answered, glancing back over to his brother and nephew.

Loki just watched him, frowning.

"Go with your uncle, Sleipnir. I'm sure he'll return victorious as usual." He muttered, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Thor didn't respond, but rather watched as Sleipnir ran over, grabbing his hand.

"See you later, Mommy!" he exclaimed, waving.

Loki smiled, though it quickly turned sinister as he met Thor's eyes.

The Thunder god just walked out with Sleipnir in tow, watching the guards shut the cell behind him. His Brother really had changed…

~O~O~O~O~O~

He strode with long strides to his Father's room.

Seeing the thick doors, he paused, looking down at Sleipnir.

"You stay here, little one." He ordered, "I'm just going to speak with the All-Father."

Sleippy tilted his head to the side, but smiled back nonetheless.

"Okay, Uncle Thor." He answered, sitting down at the guards' feet, crossing his legs under him.

The Thunderer smiled, as he proceeded to pass the guards and push the massive doors aside.

Inside the golden room sat Odin, the All-Father. Frigga sat next to him, a gentle smile finding her lips.

Odin glanced over, no other emotion on his face.

"What can I do for you, my son?" he asked.

Without hesitation, Thor spoke.

"I want to free Loki and take him back to Midgard with me."

Frigga gasped, bringing her hand to her lips.

"But what would prompt that?" she asked, "True, Loki is your brother, but he also needs to be punished."

She frowned, pained at her own reality.

Odin nodded, putting an arm around her.

"That's right. Hast thou forgotten thy Brother's sins against the Nine Realms?"

Thor stood his ground.

"Of course. I haven't forgotten, Father… but Midgard is in trouble. Jormungand-"

Odin gave a sneer.

"I thought it would be that one causing trouble." He muttered.

Thor's eyebrows rose with interest.

"You knew this was going to happen?" he breathed.

The Thunder god took several steps forward, listening as Odin cleared his throat.

"I had a hunch." He replied, "That boy is too much like his Father to be completely off the hook."

Thor frowned.

"Then why would you let them go to Midgard?" he asked, "If you saw that he was going to cause so much trouble…"

Odin sighed tiredly.

"Because I didn't want to believe that my grandchildren should be judged by their own blood."

Thor's expression softened as he made his way to his Father, laying a hand on his.

"I believed in giving them a chance, just as I did to your brother… but once again, I'm proven wrong." He muttered.

"Father, do not blame yourself for this." Thor sympathized.

Odin only sighed.

"Take your brother. His freedom is granted."

Thor looked up at his Father, surprised.

"But you'll bring his children to me. Understood?"

He looked up at Thor, his tired gaze now filled with intensity.

The Thunder god nodded with understanding.

"Of course, Father." He answered, "I understand."

Odin gave his son a smile.

"I knew you would. Just go save Midgard… and your friends."

Thor returned the smile, patting his Father's hand fondly before turning back around to leave the room, a satisfied grin lining his golden features.

As the doors opened, Sleipnir stood up, running over to him.

"How'd it go, Uncle Thor?" he asked.

Thor smiled.

"It went very well. Let's go get your Father and we'll head back to Midgard." He answered.

Sleipnir's eyes lit up.

"Does that mean Mommy's free?" he asked excitedly.

Thor patted the boy's head, as they headed back to the area of the dungeons.

"Yes, little one. Loki is free."

~O~O~O~O~O~

As the cell opened, Loki already stood at the door of the cell, a smirk on his face. He never had to guess who's heavy, clumsy footsteps were approaching. He'd be able to recognize them anywhere.

"So, the All-Father really granted my freedom… the old fool."

Loki chuckled, watching Thor bristle at his comment.

"We had a deal, Brother. You help me save Midgard and you bring your children back here."

Loki waved him off.

"Yes, yes… keep ruining my celebratory moment, why don't you?" he asked bitterly.

Thor wilted a bit.

He really was happy to see his beloved brother out of the cell, and he smiled, putting a heavy hand on his shoulder.

"I'm sorry… if it means anything, I am happy for you, Brother." He managed.

Loki looked up at him, speechless for a moment before pulling away.

"Your pity means nothing to me, Thor. Let's just go retrieve my children. I don't want them getting any more hurt." He grumbled.

Thor nodded, as they were led out of the dungeons.

"Me neither…"

~O~O~O~O~O~

It had been such a long time since Loki had laid eyes on the Bifröst, and for a moment, he smiled despite himself.

Sleipnir changed into the big, black steed, and as Loki pulled his eyes away from the pulsing bridge, he climbed on, behind his brother.

"Are you ready, Sleipnir?" he asked.

The horse gave a snort, bucking his head eagerly.

The two brothers, with a gentle kick to the sides, sent the steed off to a running start, and with a great leap, over the gap of the regenerating rainbow bridge.

Heimdall was always watching her as she continued rebuilding. The bridge's pulse lit up with every step the horse took, and he landed on the other side, heading down to Midgard.

Loki smiled with pride, beaming down at his son.

Though the emotion faded quickly as his mind drifted to his other children. He could only imagine the chaos they were causing… he only hoped that it wouldn't get them into the trouble that Loki had just escaped.

~O~O~O~O~O~

Hela watched as her legion of the dead continued slashing at Jormungand, who only stood, still as a statue, unfazed by the swords and blades that cut into him; hacking away. He just watched them, eyes fully dissolving into a blood red.

His muscles shook, trembling as he gripped his head. The Serpent gave a roar of pain, clenching his eyes shut.

As he was distracted, Hela ran over to Fenrir, cradling the large snout in her hands.

"Fenny, are you all right?" she asked, stroking his fur lovingly.

The wolf gave a groan, licking his chops and nuzzling into her lap.

Hela smiled.

"Feeling better?" she asked, "Father will be here soon."

At the mention of their Father, the wolf gave a jolt.

Hela stood with surprise, wrapping her arms around his snout.

"It's okay, Fenny. I'm here." She murmured.

He shook from her grasp.

"Fenny, what's the matter? Turn human so you can talk to me!"

The wolf took a fleeting glance in Jormungand's direction, before doing as he was told.

"Why did you get Dad? He's in danger!"

Hela's eyes went wide with confusion.

"What do you mean?" she asked, frantically.

Fenrir only looked down at her with as much confusion and panic in his yellow eyes as in her purple.

"I-I don't know. I can just feel it." He muttered, "But we have to save Dad."

Hela sighed.

She didn't want to believe it, but taking another glance at her other Brother, she felt tears welling in her eyes.

"I know." She replied, "But right now, we have more problems right now…"

She glanced at Jorry once again, watching him quickly come to.

"I saw his eyes, Fenny. They were streaked red." She explained.

Fenrir sank back, rubbing his eyes with the heels of his hands.

"Geez, not again…" he muttered, "Why was he in battle? He knows better!"

Hela sighed, watching as Fenrir hauled himself to his feet.

"Then I'm going to stop him." He growled, "I just wish I didn't have to…"

Hela frowned, standing up and running her fingers through her brother's hair sympathetically.

He changed back into the monstrous wolf and made his way through the attacking dead, calmly as anything; tail swaying side to side.

When he got in yards of his brother, he leapt, teeth bared and eyes locked on the Serpent's neck.

As Fenrir opened his mouth, he was pushed back by a force of heat and he collapsed to the ground.

Hela ran forward, seeing the blast. All her warriors were reduced to sizzling piles of ash in the sand; in the middle of the ash, stood her Brother, the Serpent.

With the cracking of joints, Jormungand turned his head, glancing between his two siblings.

His eyes were now crimson and filled with madness.

Her brother was sick, and they needed to help him.

Jormungand smirked.

"I know what you're thinking, Hela. You're afraid of the blood madness…" he replied, forked tongue flickering through his lips, "But don't worry… I have it all under control."

Hela clenched her fists.

"You can't keep it under control, Jorry! That's why it's a madness!" she yelled.

With groans, she heard the heroes coming to. She watched her Brother's eyes drift over to them.

"Don't touch them!" she shouted, "Just stop this and come home! We can be a family again! I'm sure the All-Father will release Dad with the help of Uncle Thor! We-"

She broke off as her Brother began to laugh.

Fenrir got back up, fur singed at the edges.

"You really think we can be a family after all this?" he chuckled, "Please… we were never a family. I mean, do you know who our Father is?"

The siblings were stunned into a shocked silence.

"I know that you know. We've grown up with it following us like a ghost. When he was locked away, things only got worse." He continued, a smirk lining his features, "Which is why I need to kill him."

The siblings watched as their brother changed into his vulnerable, human form, giving them a smile. Fenrir snarled in response, also transforming.

"Why are you telling us this?" he growled, "This is the madness talking, Brother!"

Jormungand took several paces forward, reaching his hand out to them.

"Is it? Is it really the madness? Perhaps the reason I don't go near blood is because I wouldn't risk my neck, knowing I'm destined for something greater, hmm?" the serpent suggested, "Everyone needs to think outside the book once in a while!"

He chuckled under his breath, as his siblings continued watching his every move.

"Now, why don't you just join me? We could kill Father and rule, not only Jotunheim, but Hel, and Niflheim! With powers like that, it would only be a matter of time until we ruled Asgard and the other realms as well! We could do what Father was too frightened to do!"

Then no one would look down on my beloved.

"Why do you think? Would you help me with this? Helping your own brother?"

Fenrir hesitated for a moment before stepping forward. Hela gasped, reaching out to grab his hand.

"Fenny, what are you thinking?! We have to stop him before he kills Father!" she hissed.

Fenrir pulled from her grip, ignoring her, as he continued walking towards his younger brother.

The Serpent smiled darkly.

"I know you'd see it my way." He replied.

Hela watched, moving closer to the downed heroes.

Fenrir moved closer to his brother, and in a flash of teeth, Fenrir transformed, grabbing his Brother's arm in his jaws.

Jormungand flinched with a grunt of pain, but remained steady; pungent blood leaking down his forearm.

"Come now, Brother… surely you know not to put things in your mouth! Father's told you that countless times!" the Serpent mocked, tearing his arm forcefully from his sibling's mouth, ripping the flesh and sending more metallic scent into the air.

Jormungand's eyes dilated as he threw himself forward, tan skin dissolving into scales. His claws were bared as he prepared to slash his sibling across the face.

His eyes were unseeing… no longer tied down by the points of reason that ruled his existence so firmly. He had become a true monster.

Fenrir held firmly, blocking the Serpent's attacks as he tried to protect the heroes from the danger they could only imagine. In this state, Jormungand didn't know friend from foe… or at least he didn't care. The little family had been too afraid to find out.

With a sudden pump of adrenaline, Jormungand managed to pin the Wolf to the ground; his claws digging into the sand around him.

Acidic venom dripped from the Serpent's jaws as he leaned forward, ready to devour his brother whole.

But before he could do anything, a voice captured his attention.

"ENOUGH!"

The Serpent tore his focus from his struggling brother to see, who else, but his Father and Uncle there, riding atop the Eight-Legged steed.

Jormungand gave a sneer, despite the satisfaction that ran through his veins.

As disgusted as he was to see them, there was one thing he couldn't deny.

Finally… his plan was nearing completion.