Glass Box
(An Avengers not-quite- Loki/reader insert Fanfic)
Chapter Twelve: Anagrams
…
(June 1, 2015)
"Ashes to ashes…dust to dust."
Adrian, Jackie, and Michael stood at the front of the group of Maria's former relatives and coworkers as the casket was about to be lowered into the ground of the cemetery. Loki stood at the far back corner, behind a weeping willow. Suddenly, the top came off and Maria stood up, gasping.
"What's going on? What am I doing here? Why am I in this thing?" She asked.
The crowd rushed to hug Maria. Loki smiled in the corner.
"Let's go celebrate!" Jackie said incredulously.
They all cheerfully went to a favorite restaurant of Maria's.
"May I join you?" Loki asked.
Maria turned.
"Yes. Yes you may."
…
The crowd dined on their pasta awkwardly.
"So this means we can still get married!" Michael said cheerfully.
Maria set down her fork.
"Don't think I don't know about you and Shereen." She laughed, looking directly into his eyes. Michael looked shocked.
"She gave away a little bit too much information last night, and I decided that, maybe, my decision was not the best." She took off her ring and put it into his hand.
"Go to her. It's been interesting, Michael Whitworth, but some things are just not meant to be."
He nodded and smiled, tipping his hat. He walked out the door. The family was quiet, but then clapped and whistled.
"I didn't care for him much anyways." Jackie admitted.
Maria smiled. Loki leant over to her.
"There's something I need to tell you." He said.
Loki took her aside and showed her the pages that detailed how she had come to work for S.H.I.E.L.D. and how she had to be the one to stay. Maria nodded, taking it all in.
"Take your mother, father, and sister with you." Loki suggested.
"Also, anything you need."
Jackie and Maria both took suitcases, and Maria brought her Sherlock Holmes books with her. The five of them all joined hands and teleported to Asgard, and once again were reunited.
…
Loki, feeling bored the day before his wedding, picked up a Sherlock Holmes book. On the front title page, a younger Maria's scribbled words were all over the page. It was titled 'anagrams from my name' and she wrote out 'Maria Neal Pond'. Under the list were the words 'Alderman Piano', 'Armada Pole Inn', and 'Mainland Opera'.
"Maria?" Loki called out.
"Yes?" She finished combing her hair.
"What is an anagram?"
She smiled.
"It is like a word play, of sorts. 'Anagram' can be translated to 'nag a ram', for example."
He paused.
"The man who tried to kill you… he ran into a hotel called 'Armada Pole Inn'. The hotel was located by a music store called 'Alderman Piano'. Coincidence?"
"I think not." Maria answered, eyebrows raised.
"Magic is known for providing clues to fit itself when significant events are altered." He said. "Tell me… does your city have a 'Mainland Opera'?"
"Yes…I remember hearing a radio ad about it, actually. They are doing a Phantom of the Opera tribute tonight."
"Well, he escaped last time. Let's go retrieve him."
…
Damian adjusted himself in a seat. Interesting, he thought. Midguardians tell stories with music. Food is available to anyone with a plastic card. The family would be much happier here.
The lights dimmed in the cold theater, causing Damian to jump a little.
In sleep he sang to me,
In dreams he came.
That voice which calls to me,
And speaks my name.
And do I dream again, for now I find
The Phantom of the Opera is there—
Loki crashed down from the rooftop.
"This isn't supposed to happen!" The actress screamed.
The lights immediately came back on, causing two security guards to come out. Loki picked up Damian by the collar and took him away.
"Thank you, and enjoy the show." He bowed to the audience. Maria suppressed a giggle.
…
"His name is Damian Parmelon. Another anagram of your name." Loki said, walking out of the cell.
Maria gasped.
"What else did he say?" she asked.
"He's a poor farmer…with a wife and kids. He was ordered by someone much more powerful…the Allfather."
"Who is he?"
"The most powerful religious figure on Asgard. He is trying to steal the throne for himself by using him, and Lady Idunna." Loki said.
"She tried to prevent our meeting to save your life. He had to use someone desperate to carry out the dirty work."
"I see."
"But, today we marry. Tomorrow, we will try these three people." He said, taking her arm in his.
A girl with brown curls ran up to her.
"You look so pretty, big sister!" The girl said to Maria.
She leant down to hug her.
"Alecia Elizabeth Pond… You make the prettiest flower girl a big sister can ask for." She pulled away gently.
"Let's go." Loki said, smiling.
…
"To thee I consent and gladly give." Jackie said.
"To thee I consent and gladly give." Adrian said.
Loki and Maria's wrists were surrounded in a red and gold cloth.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
The crowd cheered, but this time, everyone that mattered to her stayed.
"What's going on?" she asked.
"It appears that everything is balanced." Loki answered, smiling.