Interlude: Thor
He slams into the ground in a state of shock. This cannot be right! Father would not do this to me. I am no mere mortal! He begins calling for Heimdall when a weight slams into him and he goes flying.
"Does he need CPR? I know it!"
"Darcy, he doesn't need CPR! Are you okay?"
He looks up into a beautiful face framed by light. Where am I? He gets up and demands an answer. What he gets makes no sense and that makes him angry.
"Heimdall! Bring me home," he yells at the sky.
His righteous rage is not respected by these people for one of them dares to attack him. He starts to laugh, but then odd objects connect with him and he is filled with shock. It is like his lightening but unpleasant and he blanks out again.
He wakes up to offensive things being done on his person. He escapes from his attackers with a roar of rage. He escapes the building and again is hit by the odd creature.
"Are you alright? I am so sorry," a female voice says.
It is the same female who said he didn't need CPR whatever that is. Her brown hair, eyes and form are pleasing. What is this place? Is it Midgard? Loki would know. He fills his head with all sorts of things when he should be fighting. It comes in useful at times. Not that I would tell him that. It would only encourage his unwarriorlike behavior.
He can hear voices coming outside and looking for him. He jumps into the creature and he and the Midgardians leave. As they travel, introductions are made. The pleasing female is Jane Foster, the one who thought him a threat Darcy Lewis and a man named Erik Selvig. Selvig, if not the others, recognizes Thor's name. What is annoying is that Erik Selvig doesn't believe Thor.
"You think me a liar," Thor asks in annoyance.
"Those are children's tales. Plus, you don't have Mjolnir and Darcy took you out with a taser," Erik Selvig replies.
"My father is displeased with me," Thor mutters uneasily. I don't like appearing weak.
"Right," Selvig mutters with an askance look.
At least I'm not Loki. Loki, with his reliance on words, would never be believed. I will prove myself to these mortals.
His thoughts are disrupted by a yell of dismay from Jane as she pulls the creature to a halt.
"Hey! Who are you people and why are you taking my things," she demands. Thor, seeing a way to prove himself a warrior, follows her. The robbers of the Lady Jane are men in black suits.
"Ms. Foster, my name is Phillip Coulson and I work for a government agency named SHIELD. Your research and equipment is needed to resolve some questions. Here is a check with generous compensation for your time and equipment."
"A check? Those things are mine. I won't let you take my research," Jane snaps and waves a small notebook. Coulson takes it from her.
"Thank you."
Thor steps in front of Jane.
"It is wrong to treat a lady such. Give Lady Jane back what belongs to her," he demands determinedly.
Coulson shakes his head.
"We don't intend a fight."
If I defend her father will relent and give me back Mjolnir.
He charges at Coulson and Coulson removes a small device. Thor barely has time to recognize the objects transmitting painful lightning before he feels it again.
"Jane, he's waking up," Darcy reports.
"Being around us seems bad for your health," the beautiful Lady Jane murmurs as daylight frames her face. Thor smiles.
"It is nothing and the company is pleasant," he turns to Selvig, "You know of Mjolnir. Have you heard any word of it?"
Selvig looks unsettled.
"Erik?"
"Jane, just because we have a 'Loki' doesn't mean this is Thor."
"Those myths are only tales! You need not fear. My brother is no monster."
Darcy sniffs.
"Of course he isn't a monster! He's a hero! Wait, did you say brother?"
"Aye, he is my brother and not uncle as in those false tales. I am his older brother. You have seen Loki? What mischief has he done? Father will be most displeased with him."
If I right whatever Loki has done then Heimdall will tell father and I can go home. That must be why I was sent here.
"Are you saying Loki's a space alien? Oh man, the fans are gonna eat this up! Let's go to the diner," Darcy suggests.
The diner turns out to be a place that provides sustenance. Midgardian customs prove strange when Lady Jane chides him for calling for more of a pleasing beverage. Thor is unused to being spoken to in such a way but Lady Jane is beautiful so he allows it. He starts telling them about Asgard when he overhears about what must be Mjolnir.
"I must retrieve Mjolnir," Thor states fixedly.
"Jane, Darcy don't get involved in this. Just because he says he is Thor doesn't mean he is. Plus, getting involved in something which doesn't concern us could be dangerous," Erik says.
"You sound like my brother when he worries overmuch," Thor replies contemptuously.
Being compared to Loki clearly poleaxes Selvig.
"I can fetch Mjolnir alone," Thor states bravely.
"I'll go with you. It sounds like the same people who took my research," Jane volunteers.
"I don't like how he talks about Loki, but he could also be Loki's brother. Maybe Loki would want us to help him. By the way! Smile," Darcy states.
Thor does and Darcy points a small device at him.
"Loki's brother…this is so going on Facebook. Okay, let's go defeat the men in black and help Loki's hot brother," Darcy orders.
"This is a bad idea," Selvig mutters. Thor notices, that like Loki, the man still comes despite his faintheartedness. Like Loki he is loyal to those he loves…my brother told me to never doubt he loves me. Loki doesn't see a lot of things but I could never doubt his love.
They travel to near the SHIELD base. Thor looks at them seriously.
"None of you are warriors. I will do this alone."
Once I have Mjolnir and my strength back I would need no help anyhow. I am Thor.
He is rethinking that as he sits contained. How could I be defeated? How could Mjolnir refuse to come back to me? Nothing makes sense. I am Thor! No challenge is supposed to be too great for me. He looks up and is surprised to find Loki standing in the room. Thor's Midgardian cloths are informal. Loki's are elegant. The mortals are right about Loki being here. They don't seem to think he's been doing anything untoward. He must be here to bring me home. My faithful brother. Thor feels a subdued mix of happiness and embarrassment to see his brother. I am embarrassed to be seen like this but glad to see someone who believes in me.
"Brother! Are you here to bring me home?"
Loki grabs a chair and sits down. What he says shocks Thor.
"No. To be quite frank you have some learning to do. I warned you against Jotunheim, and even your friends did, but you still led us there. I have kept you from experiencing the consequences of your actions for too long. You're staying here until you prove worthy of Mjolnir."
He has protected me? How can he be so conceited? People do not respect his tricks. They only treat him with any respect because I love him. How can he think to leave me here after all I have given him? If he is not here to help me then why is he here?
"To let you know Sif and the others are coming here to guard you," his brother explains.
What is Loki speaking of? This is just a setback!
"Guard me from what? I don't want them seeing me like this brother! You have to convince father not to send them."
Loki pinches his nose in exasperation.
"Thor, you are mortal. Until you gain back Mjolnir you are in danger and so is this realm because of your presence. You need all the help you can get."
"If foes come I will prove myself a warrior and win Mjolnir. No one would be in danger."
Such is obvious but Loki seems annoyed.
"You're not thinking Thor! Until you learn to do that then you'll never get Mjolnir back."
I love him but there is so much he doesn't understand.
"What do you know of a warrior's pride brother? Those tricks you use-"
Loki's eyes flare with anger and he interrupts.
"I am not starting an argument with you about this! Father said "he who is worthy will possess the power of Thor". You need to become worthy. How you do that is up to you. I must protect the realms. By the way, I'm sending you aid since he fell into the Odin-sleep."
Loki ruling Asgard? I am supposed to be king!
"You?! I am meant to rule Asgard. I order you to end this foolishness at once brother. "
Loki does not bow to Thor's higher rank. His eyes smolder with more anger.
"Right now you don't rule. The responsibility falls to me. I have to figure out how and why the frost giants got into the vault. I must prevent the war you almost caused. Don't look at me like that. I should have known better than to think I could talk any sense into you!"
His brother leaves in an angry huff. Thor feels anger himself.
He leaves me here and rules in my place? What kind of brother shows such disloyalty!
He doesn't have long to ponder his errant brother's perfidy when the son of Coul returns.
"Your friends have asked us to give you back. We've decided to comply. You also have some others waiting to see you," he tells Thor.
As they walk through the base Thor sees Jane's notebook and snags it. She showed faith in me. I need to repay that.
He leaves the base to find Jane, Darcy and Selvig eyeing Sif and his other friends. Loki really sent them. He could have kept them for himself to give him counsel. Instead, he sent them to me. He is behaving wrongly but he loves me. When he sees the error of his ways I shall take that into account.
"My friends!"
"Thor are you alright? Loki said the All-Father made you mortal," Sif asks concernedly.
"I am diminished but still hale and hearty my friends. Is it true my brother rules Asgard?"
They nod. Thor looks at his mortal companions.
"We must take my friends to the diner!"
"In for a penny in for a pound," Selvig groans. Thor grins at him and slaps the man on the back. Selvig staggers and his friends snort.
"Come, let us eat," Thor yells joyfully.
"Hold up, I don't think so. Did your friends just laugh at Erik almost falling over?"
"Darcy's right. That isn't right. It isn't our fault we aren't like you. If you can't respect us then you can make your own arrangements," Lady Jane demands.
The Lady Jane is as fierce as a dragon but as beautiful as a shield maiden of Valhalla. I don't wish to leave her company.
"My friends, please don't jest at my mortal friends. As you can see they take offense. Lady Jane! I retrieved this for you," Thor states.
Jane gives the base an uneasy look and stores the notebook. She stiffens when she sees Coulson coming. She will not let him retake what is hers. She is stubborn and beautiful.
"As you see this is a unique situation. Dr. Foster, if they can help you with your project, or provide any other insights, that could be good for diplomatic relations. Take this debit card and use it to pay for their expenses," Coulson says as he hands over a piece of metal. He leaves and Lady Jane looks at the card thoughtfully.
"The diner is as good as anywhere," she says.
Thor introduces his friends to the sustenance the diner provides. Volstagg, as expected, is the most enthusiastic. Their serving girl is most impressed at Volstagg's capabilities.
"You must win every eating contest you try."
"Indeed, I do," Volstagg responds.
Thor explains about Yggdrasil as his friends continue testing the diner's ability to provide sustenance. Jane and Selvig are both interested in the Bifrost. The conversation continues on the way back to Jane's domicile. Darcy puts her hands on her hips.
"Okay, two things. One, if all of you are going to be staying with us then the couch won't be enough. We've got to get some more stuff: sleeping bags and even some mattresses since the Men in Black are paying the tab. Food would be good too. I vote Wal-Mart," Darcy comments.
"Darcy, could you do it? I want to hear more about Yggdrasil. Erik, I really think this is an example of Asimov's idea about magic being science we don't understand yet," Jane replies.
"I have to admit it seems likely. I also think some of the things I've seen Loki do in those YouTube videos might be from some special ability," Erik retorts quickly.
"Okay, you two keep talking with his royal hotness. The rest of you," and Darcy grins especially at Frandal who smiles, "can help me at Wal-Mart. It'll be a long trip and you can tell me things about your home."
Thor spends a most enjoyable time discussing Yggdrasil, the Bifrost and Earth views on such things with Lady Jane and Erik Selvig. He doesn't understand a lot of what Jane says but her fervency is contagious. In this way she is like my brother. I could listen to him expound on unimportant things for hours just because they mattered to him. Not that I mean to insult Lady Jane! It is just such things are unimportant to a man and a prince. As for Loki it, sadly, has been years since he has taken me into his confidence. Deep down he must know his focus is wrong but he doesn't want to admit it. That is why we have become so far apart.
He is left alone with Jane for a while as Erik decides he needs more sustenance before Lady Darcy and Thor's friends return. I am enjoying this time with the Lady Jane. She is passionate about what matters to her and her happiness is contagious.
Their idyll is broken when Darcy comes into the room like a whirlwind. She glares at Thor and turns imploring eyes on Jane.
"Where's Erik?"
Erik reenters the building.
"What is it Darcy?"
"Jane, Erik you've got to talk some sense into Thor's friends. Thor, not to be insulting, but your friends are jerks. If I hear any of them, especially her, insult Loki one more time I'm going to taze all of them!"
"We meant no offense," Frandal says beseechingly.
"Do you think when Loki said to honor mortal customs he included views about himself?"
"Yes," Hogun grunts.
"They talk about Loki like he's some sort of weakling! Then they inferred he did something foul to get on the throne!"
Thor frowns. Surely they only jest but treason is nothing to joke about! Lady Darcy must have misunderstood! I was angry at Loki but I could never truly doubt his heart. Though Sif especially has tried to get me to do so.
"My friends, surely you do not believe my brother would harm me or Asgard?"
"Laufey said there was at least one traitor in the House of Odin and Loki has always envied you," Sif says bluntly. Frandal and Volstagg look uneasy and Hogun looks neutral.
He left me here. Magic got the frost giants into the vault-no! Surely not! He told me not to doubt he loves me. He wouldn't lie to me about that.
"My brother would never betray me! He loves me and sent you here for my sake."
"It also gets us out of the way," Hogun points out.
"Thor was banished by the All-Father. Plus, Loki seemed so serious about us protecting Thor and the mor- I mean humans." Frandal's look at Darcy gets a stubborn huff.
"You're not getting me to soften up that easily Merry Man."
"He told us to help Thor," Volstagg says collaborating Frandal's defense. Darcy looks at all of the four, and then with a huff, pulls out her phone.
"This screen is small but hopefully you all have spider sight and can see it."
There is a knock on the door. Standing in the doorway is Coulson.
"Dr. Foster, we apologize for the inconvenience and return all of your things. Please understand SHEILD has a duty to this planet. We are the good guys. As proof, we would like to offer you the opportunity to continue your research with our funding. You can continue to work here or wherever you want. All we would ask is being keyed in to all of your findings."
"Why the sudden change…Loki said something didn't he? Don't hide it Agent K!"
"Loki is an Avenger and we didn't wish to offend him. Professional courtesy."
"My brother didn't tell you to let me get Mjolnir?"
"Don't doubt him. He doesn't have jurisdiction here so he's limited to suggestions."
Coulson's answer makes shameful thoughts subside. I can't doubt Loki. He's never abandoned me. I can't let my friends doubt Loki either. What does it say about them that they do? Then again, I'm his brother and even I struggle at times…he's so unusual and hard to understand.
"Give me that laptop! This bunch is completely wrong about Loki. I'm going to open their eyes."
"I haven't seen any signs he's like his myth counterpart except for some mischief," Erik points out.
"See! I had a hard time bringing Erik around. Even Jane likes Loki and she hardly ever takes a break from science."
Thor feels a spurt of jealousy. Loki has won her approval with his quick mind? Jealousy of my brother? I haven't felt that since our training in non-warrior arts.
"I'd recommend "Everybody Loves Loki" by reluctantsciencenerd," Coulson says as he leaves.
"I made that video! Nice to meet one of my fans. All of you watch. The song is "Everybody Loves Me" by OneRepublic," Darcy orders.
Thor and the other Aesir are startled when images appear and sound comes out of nowhere. In the beginning of the video his brother appears at various settings showing off his wit and causing mischief. Often accompanying him and encouraging Loki's actions is a mortal male. ("Tony Stark", Darcy says.) The two start appearing in pictures in random locations. In the middle of the song the music slows down. Loki and Stark see a villain attacking innocents. Thor sees both of their eyes hardening.
"We're no heroes…," Stark says with a dangerous grin. Loki returns it.
"…But we'll just have to do," Loki finishes.
Loki is shown denying an alliance and defeating the villain. The music goes back to its normal volume and speed as Loki and his mortal friend disappear after defeating the cur. After that more images of his brother are shown. In all of the images his brother looks determined and smiling. Sometimes the smiles are battle ready smiles, other times mischievous and many are devious. An archer and a red haired female start to appear in some of the images. Words accompany many of the images. "Avengers confound attempt to sabotage peace talks", "Avengers keep villain from detonating weapon and save thousands", "Loki and Tony Stark deliver aid supplies to assist in relief efforts" are only some of them. At the end of the video is one final image. It is an image advocating Midgardians to read. On the left, Loki stands with an old tome in one hand and magic in the other. Stark stands on the right with what Darcy says is a tablet and an image projected from something he holds. 'Read and make your dreams come true' the image exhorts. Loki's smile is a relaxed one that Thor hardly ever sees. He has not smiled at me like that in centuries. He let the Midgardians- the humans- capture that smile. He trusts them more than he trusts me.
"You see that? Loki's not just a hot guy. He's a hot guy with a good heart that isn't here to defend himself. You know what I'm going to do if I ever see him? I'm going to say 'thank you' and see if he'll let me show him some hospitality," Darcy defends heatedly.
Sif and Hogun are shocked into silence. It is clear that a brave, selfless and appreciated Loki is a shock. Volstagg blinks as he tries to process. Frandal seems less shocked by the video and more that a maiden would admire Loki.
These are my friends. People who insult my brother. I've insulted him too but I thought it was for his own good. Asgard is right to disregard magic and the mind and disapprove of him. Isn't it?
Thor sits on the roof troubled at heart. The Lady Darcy's defense and Thor's love for his brother conflict with Asgard's views and his brother's flaws. There is a stalemate in his heart caused by vehement battle between the two.
"You look troubled."
"Lady Jane, I love my brother but…his ways are not approved of."
"A lot of people have looked down on me too. They think my attempt to build a Bifrost is pointless, stupid and wrong. I've kept going but it's not fun. Thor, you love your brother. Look at your past with that and not what your home thinks of him."
"His trickery comes in useful but it's still trickery."
"So you and your friends benefit from it and insult it? You're not the person I thought you were Thor. I thought you were someone who was open-minded and had a large enough heart to see past 'what everyone knows'. You only listen and approve of me because it fits with your society's perceptions of what women can do."
Her disappointment hurts because Thor feels like he's losing something important. It also hurts because it makes him think of Loki. Thor sees Loki turn from an open-hearted boy into a cold man because Thor and the rest of Asgard turned away from him.
He spends the night looking back over his and Loki's lives. He evaluates his society's perceptions. Thor sees Loki help Thor and others who disapprove of him. He sees that Loki's abilities are useful. He sees Loki show love and loyalty.
He is not perfect, but neither am I. My brother, I have wronged you. I am unworthy of your love. I am unworthy of Asgard's trust. Even now you fix the consequences of my actions. I should have listened to you and not gone to Jotunheim. When you advised me there I hissed at you to know your place as if 'your place' was lesser than I. Why did father pick me to rule Asgard? It must be because I happen to be what Asgard likes. That doesn't make me more worthy.
I am going to change. I don't know if I can regain your favor, or Jane's, but I shall try. I shall treat magic users and everyone else as individuals. I will let their words and actions speak for them rather than general perceptions which can be wrong.
I know this vow is not enough to regain Mjolnir. I would not have it be. I will be worthy of Mjolnir when I can in, some way, make amends to you.
Please be well Loki. I wish that I had told you that you had no reason to envy me. I wish I had told you never to doubt I love you. I can only hope that my actions shall prove my feelings.
Thank you for reading I also appreciate the follows, favorites and reviews- they make a writer's heart glad :)
I don't think there is a 'reluctantsciencenerd' on YouTube. If I hear there is I'll think of something else for Darcy.
Writing from Thor's POV was hard. I wanted him to care for Loki and be unknowingly blind rather than a total jerk. Anyhow, he feels a bit cardboard… On another note, I apologize to anyone who wanted to see Sif-Jane-Thor drama but I just wanted to give a brief look at what Thor was up to. The story is about Loki after all ;)