You have no clue how fast i wrote this.
Okay- i hope you like it!
(Also, there's a quote that is a HUGE hint back to a point prior in this story, you won't have to search long, and already there's been quite a few references)
If ANYONE can find it- i may just actually have a private story written for you.
(NOTE: Offer only open until next chapter is posted, if more then 1 person finds the answer, then i will ONLY respond to the first one.)
Happy hunting! :D
Loki stood there, hands clasped behind his back calmly while everyone shouted in the back, to the point where swords were drawn over the fact if he was lying or not.
The high table was much more calm, Lord Freyr and Helbindi quietly exchanging words over Loki's fate. King Orcex ranted wildly as Lady Hela smirked, her arms crossed, showing the mutilated flesh of her left hand, only two fingernails while the bone was decayed, showing through the old lace glove that had been on her skin so long, it frayed and morphed to wrap around the exposed bone in itself.
It was a startling sight, and even more shocking when her right hand rested gently on it, showing pristine porcelain skin without a single blemish, long thin shaped fingers with perfectly filed nails with the whitest French tips Tony had ever seen.
He was beginning to see why Lady Hela had not attended any of the trial before if her appearance was just as ghastly as it seemed on her left side.
"Silence! I call for order!" Odin shouted, rising and slamming his staff against the ground, "The court was not called for this reason!"
"Oh please, let him continue. I haven't had anything interesting haven in decades." Lord Freyr smirked, sitting forward as his eyes met with Loki with a shared amused look.
'No way- Loki has Freyr on his side too?' Tony thought with sudden realization shaking his head in disbelief, 'and Hela too if that small smirk is anything to go by.'
"But-"
"Oh, please continue." Helbindi drawled, eyes glinting as he glanced at Loki with a steely glance, "Any excuse to…slander, your well constructed court."
Tony could practically hear the silent 'Ohhhh!' from the audience.
"Of course, overthrowing a court? Why, how busy you have been, princeling." The voice of Nidhoggr drifted through the body of his representative, the misty scales glimmering while the dozens of needle teeth protruded from its dropped jaw like it was an Angler Fish.
Loki smiled, and turned to look at Leifi, tilting his head almost as if he was looking at a child, his action not having gone unnoticed.
Leifi's face turned red in anger as he scowled other councilwomen and men glancing at him in worry, obviously unsure as to what could and should be said.
"If I may, shall a truth spell be casted upon all questioned?" Lord Freyr asked, glancing at Odin who frowned but gave a short nod.
"Aye, I shall call my casters-"
"Lord Freyr would be better. His people are more adept at sorcery then your silly wardcasters." Surtr's voice drifted from the golem, the smashed muzzle sporting a deep scratching voice, so different then Nidhoggr's.
Odin said nothing, knowing that it would be bad if he was to argue with such a command. With a nod, different elves stepped forward, speaking once more in sync as a shimmering silver veil was set around the front half of the court.
Loki said nothing, and Tony was amused yet again by the quick look of terror on the faces on a few of the court members.
"Do you promise to speak with only truth and no manipulation upon your words?" Nidhoggr spoke once more, the angler fish snake-dragon thing snapping its jaws only once as the voice finished.
"I will." Loki responded, almost lazily as he turned and looking at Lord Leifi lazily, "And will you, Leifi? Will you promise to uphold the ancient laws casted upon truth in court?"
Leifi scowled, his hands fidgeting as he murmured under his breath, "I do."
Loki nodded, walking back to the chair that was offered to him by Loki, crossing his legs high where his ankles hung in the air, one eyebrow rising as he looked at the council, as if awaiting the questioning.
"This is getting exciting now." Natasha murmured under her breath, causing Tony to nod slightly, trying not to make it obvious that she was talking to him.
Thor was sitting off to the side, as was the Princess Altai and her betrothed sat just behind the court. He could see by his expression that he wanted to interrupt, but of course he couldn't.
"The court will continue with the given questions." King Byleistr spoke, voice just as grating as his brother, if not a little higher pitched.
Loki gave a slight smirk, nodding while it was actually Nidhoggr who spoke first, his representative clicking its teeth eagerly.
"Oh? Any your intention is to destroy all of the court? To betray your father's ring of supervisors?" He asked, the creature twisting where its seat was offered, instead it coiled upon the ground, tail twitching eagerly.
Loki smirked ever so slightly, eyes flickering as he answered with complete ease, "He is not my father, and I intend for those who are corrupt and imbalanced to burn in the fiery depths of Helheim."
Lady Hela smiled ever so slightly, eyes flashing, "That can be arranged."
"And just who are the 'corrupt ones?'" Odin spoke quickly, forcing the trial to shift into waters where he was in control.
"Many. Lord Leifi, Lady Njarl, Lord Mecka, Lord Hira, Lady Shat-"
"Lies!" Lord Leifi shouted out, "Objection!"
"Silence you insect!" Lady Hela shouted back, scowling before slumping back in her seat, eyes on Loki, "It seems quite a few have angered you."
"Do you have proof of such claims?" King Orcex asked, a firm scowled on his dark skin.
"Yes." Loki spoke, his voice this time very tense and his eyes flickered angrily, "I have many examples for each, and some are rather…interesting, regarding other realms." He explained, an angry curl at his lips as his angry eyes met that of King Orcex. "Would you care to listen?"
"Enough. You are drawing the topic aside." Odin spoke, causing Loki to tilt his head slightly, a slight curl at his lips.
"Then ask away. Call Lord Leifi to question, he certainly has a story to tell." He noted lazily, looking over at Lord Leifi who now had a rapid tapping of his fingers.
"Oh? Such anger, such rage inside a broken godling- what inspires anger so? How many questions I have for you, Lord Leifi." Surtr noted, his low chuckles being heard from the smashed face golem.
"It is not time for Lord Leifi to be questioned." Odin defended, causing Nidhogg to snort.
"Then make it time, you forget Odin, this is a trial of all the Nine Realms, must we remind you that you are not the Norns to control the court so?" Nidhogg spoke, voice a reptilian rumble, "Or is it your arrogance to try and shy your people from seeing corruptness?"
"You dare state my rule is corrupt?" Odin asked, eye flickering to the messenger angrily.
"Oh, of course not. From what would we benefit a war?" Nidhogg asked lazily, knowing full well the thick mist of his realm was impenetrable and inhospitable to most creatures.
Once again the entire scene was tense, audience of varying species holding their breath as it was instead King Orcex who spoke, nodding to Loki, "I'd like to hear the defense of your council."
Loki looked pointedly over at Lord Leifi, who stood, looking dignified as he attempted to walk over into the centre of the open area, metal soled boots clicking as his royal robes trailed slightly, his head held high.
There was a slight hush as whispers rose, all ignored them as the golem leaned forward, Surtr's voice thick in the air as a cackle. "So you are the male in which we have been called trial for?"
Lord Leifi's jaw tensed before he unwillingly ground out, "Yes."
The golem formed a smirk, "Then your case better be well worth the time, or this council will form grave consequences with such disruption. If my choice, such law would have been abolished long ago. Is this worth the time given to us?" Surtr asked, and after a few tense moments, Lord Leifi was forced to respond, "Yes."
"Oh?" King Byleistr asked, ruby eyes flashing dangerously, "And have any of these plots of corruption ever affected the safety of my realm?" He asked, voice grinding out.
Once more, Lord Leifi's hands curled into fists as he ground out angrily, "Yes."
Loki seemed utterly gleeful with the questions- how they were managing to ask the exact questions he had wanted. How intelligent the council was being- and he had yet to even ask his own questions.
The words released caused a large array of whispers to start again as King Byleistr glanced at his brother with a slightly emotionless look, looking back with a scowl.
"Have your intentions ever been the destruction of innocents for selfish means?"
Once again, the sound grated out lowly, "Yes."
Murmurs were heard once more, and the entire court seemed rather upset with the new revelations, Odin seemed more tired- almost as if he had been aware of the corruption prior.
"And of Alfheim? Has your corruption endangered my citizens?" Lord Freyr asked, a firm scowl while Lord Leifi scowled once more, "Yes."
"I see no further reason for the court to continue. He is obviously guilty, let his corpse rot and maggots feast in his flesh." Nidhogg rumbled, sounding obviously tired or lazy, contrasting with the actions of his representative.
"Indeed. Although, Prince Loki listed names accompanied." Lady Hela noted, drawing attention once more to the issue at hand.
"They will be dealt with when the time is appropriate-"
"I am beginning to doubt your judgment, Odin." Surtr rasped, causing a sudden silence among the spectators that watched, "One would even dare to say you had…arranged, such corruption."
Tony was resisting the urge to laugh, and as he glanced over his shoulder he could see Bruce suffering as Clint gave a silent 'Ohhh!' as if what Surtr had said had just sparked war.
Yet again, maybe it may have.
"I have not. How dare you accuse me and my people so!" Odin thundered, causing Thor to look nervous as the majority of the audience.
"Perhaps words are not your forte, Odin. Strange, as your son holds his rather well, is that not right, Trickster?" Nidhoggr spoke, raspy tone focused on Loki.
'No…' He thought desperately and angrily as he recognized the question within the sentence, and the truth bubbling at his lips, 'Be silent!' "No."
It seemed once more to catch the crowd by surprise, as Nidhoggr's fanged beast swiveled its head, tail thrashing excitedly through Nidhoggr's voice, "No? Why, such interesting information." He through, the reptilian hisses shifted to dark chuckles.
"You are not Odin's son by birthright?" Lord Freyr asked interested, once again Loki's eyes flashed angrily, but allowing his voice to answer such question without alarm. "No."
Whispers broke out as Tony glanced behind him, meeting eyes with Steve, Clint, and Natasha, all of whom were looking unsure as to what to do.
"Why, what secrets you hold, Odin Allfather." King Helbindi smirked, rough fanged teeth exposed from beyond the dark blue lips, "And what lies you hide."
"This knowledge is of no importance to this case." Odin spoke smoothly, no emotion in his tone.
"On contraire." Loki spoke, interrupting with a dark glare, "I believe my birthright is of such reason why your court has taken it upon themselves to bring misery to my life." Loki growled, eyes mocking as he glared at Leifi, "Isn't that right, Leifi?"
Leifi of course, was forced to answer as from the spell and growled out a sharp and unwilling, "Yes, you pathetic monster. You should have died in Jotunheim!" Leifi snarled, causing Loki's lip to curl with anger in the bitter smirk.
"Well, isn't this a change." Lord Freyr spoke with a small blink, leaning back thoughtfully, "And how this complicates everything."
"I fail to see how. Odin has corrupted his shrouded his throne with opinions of fools, I do not see how the birthing of a child will alter our decision."
"If I understand, such biased opinion will lead to more drastic attempts, and thus more danger and incidents." Lady Hela noted, causing Nidhoggr to roar with laughter.
"This creates more danger? This is a quarrel! A mere fight for children, and let it be so!" He laughed, a loud odd whooshing noise from the mouth of the serpentine creature, obvious that Nidhoggr had been breathing fire back in his own world.
"What words do you have to prove that these Asgardians have thrust you into danger that will concern all of us?" Lord Freyr asked with a frown.
Loki straightened, looking the other ones slowly before a smile drew upon his face, "I hold but one word-"
"You are gifted with influence, but such skills are overestimated." Surtr laughed, causing King Orcex to cackle also.
Loki did not seem angry, and instead spoke one word, "Thanos."
Tony smirked, glancing around as a confused whisper rose among the crowd, not recognizing the name.
Of course, both the Golem and the Angler fish snake reared back in horror, crying out while Odin's eye widened in surprise. Lord Freyr glanced instantly to Odin, while Kings Helbindi and Byleistr simply grumbled angrily.
"Liar! You seek attention to gain favor among those who control your fate!" Leifi screamed, causing Loki to scowl once more.
"…Your words are hefty, even the spell will not prove such claims. Your words will not be believed when the fate of all the worlds rest upon-" Odin began, and Loki smiled once more.
"Then fear not, Odin. I am well aware that my word will not be trusted, perhaps I should summon one who had discovered such threat on his own?" Loki asked, almost mocking before he grinned, almost breathlessly, "A mortal?"
"You mean that a Mortal-"
"Found He Who has sent souls to my lands? He who pushed against control? Why, which of the mortals has discovered such threat?" Lady Hela asked, tilting her head curiously while Loki looked over his shoulder to where Tony had been sitting.
Slowly Tony stood, well aware of the dozens of eyes on him, and with a quick adjustment to his armor he stepped forward, walking until he was next to Loki.
"You are the mortal, yes?" Nidhoggr asked, and although Tony had not answered yet, there was a sudden force, causing him to answer.
"Yes." He blinked, looking at Loki in amazement as the spell wormed its way into his mind, causing him to answer.
"Do you hold any information against or assisting the condemning of Lord Leifi?" This time is was King Helbindi that asked, crimson eyes searching over Tony carelessly.
"I-" Once more the compulsion and he had little control of his words, "I witnessed Lord Leifi and two of his companions strike down Vali, and reported in the past to murder Narvi although I am unsure if such claims are true-"
"They are." Lady Hela hummed, drawing eyes to her once more, "Do you really think I would ignore such child in my care? He is happy, among those who have died. He felt no pain." Lady Hela nodded to Loki, who let out a deep breath.
"He murdered a child?" King Byleistr shouted angrily, eyes burning with anger, "What man with no courage would dare draw blood against a child!" He roared with a sneer he scowled, pointing at Lord Leifi with a hooked claw, "You should freeze among the plains of Hydalta!"
"Your kind does not sacrifice children to your gods?" Loki dared ask, trying to hide the wavering in his tone.
Instead both Frost Giants snarled silently in anger, "No more than Asgardians drink blood!"
"This is not on the topic!" King Orcex snapped, scowling and pointing at Tony, "Speak mortal and explain how Thanos holds power!"
Tony swallowed, not fully understanding the severity of the threat but talking anyways. "He- I took it upon myself to investigate. A few months ago there was an incident where Chitauri invaded my home realm- leading the attack was Loki, but with information I have gathered, I've come to the conclusion that the Mind gem has been taken and activated, thus used against Loki over the course of the year leading up to the invasion, and remained in constant use to gather a small group of superior humans to assist in the invasion."
"You jest! The Mind Gem is locked deep within the Weapons vault! Not even a fly could find it!" Lord Leifi shouted, still desperate to find a flaw in the information.
Loki turned coldly, stiffly with slightly haunted eyes as he casted a dry smile, "Then would you care to look?"
The hall was filled once more with murmurs and concerned looks, children glancing at worried parents while Thor seemed pale.
"…Thanos." Lady Hela sighed, shaking his head.
"Mi'lady?" Nidhoggr asked, giving a loud sigh from the deep rumbling of his voice, "you have suspected his reappearance for some time, have you not?"
"I reject advances often. Many beings in this existence beg and crave such attention as Death herself." Lady Hela drawled with a small sigh, "His advances have not been ignored by me."
"You were aware of such a threat? You knew?" King Orcex hissed angrily, nearly jumping from his seat.
"Peace," Helbindi grumbled, eyes landing on Lady Hela, "I assume many have attempted to take his place?"
"Many." Hela nodded, glancing back at Loki with a small scowl, "You say he seeks the Infinity gauntlet?"
"That was his intention with the Mind Gem." Loki spoke, eyes sharp as he instantly gave a small flinch with his words.
"The Mind Gem? I had thought such power was sealed within the vaults long ago." Nidhoggr spoke, causing Loki to twitch slightly. "Are your vaults weak enough to leave an omnipotent power force to the availability of mere children?"
"The Mind gem was sealed along with the Infinity Gauntlet years ago. I assure you, it is safe-"
"The gem was stolen years ago. It has been in Thanos' control for decades." Loki spoke again, eyes slightly glazed as a cruel smirk managed its way onto his face, "The Mind gem has been activated, and used-"
"On you?" Lord Freyr asked, dreading the answer.
Loki flinched, before stiffly responding with a locked jaw, "Yes."
"Were your actions your own during your attack against Midgard?" Lady Hela asked, tilting her head slightly while He responded once more with a flinch, "No."
"Oh." King Freyr said with a sudden exhale, leaning back against his chair, "This…this changes everything…"
"Indeed it does." King Orcex spoke, leaning back while smirking, "And when did you…encounter Thanos?"
Loki spoke once more, this time it was a dry chuckle, dark and bitter as he spoke, "After I fell through the void."
"You…fell, from the void?" Lord Freyr asked, stunned while his voice was filled with slight horror, the others mimicking such horror.
"…My initial thoughts have been overruled by this new knowledge." Surtr growled, while Nidhoggr's beast clicked its long teeth nervously.
"…And then to face such horrors of a mind gem- what strong will little godling." King Byleistr spoke aloud, one claw tapping against the high table with a loud tapping noise.
"A marvel not to have grown mad already." King Orcex thought, still looking slightly dazed, "To…to fall through the void-"
"How is one to simply…fall from your bridge? A fight?" The needle mouth monster seemed to grin wickedly, "A push?"
Loki flinched once more, and Hela gave a slight gasp, drawing eyes to her.
She fidgeted, the boney hand twitching as she exhaled sadly, "I- Oh. Such pain…" She whispered, swallowing while looking away, "I did not fall."
"You were in the void." King Orcex scowled, ganging one black fist onto the table, "Speak!"
"Oh," Nidhoggr spoke, voice lower as if realizing something, "I see how it is."
"A great misfortune on your attempts." Lord Freyr sighed, "Although I do not approve of them."
"And the council, are they part of which drove you to jump?" Nidhoggr asked, his beast turning and glaring at Lord Leifi.
"Partially." Loki admitted, flinching once more.
"As enthralling as this information is- we already know what the council is guilty of. Perhaps we should move to the more…dangerous factor at the moment?" Lady Hela asked with a small sigh, causing the others to agree, Odin scowling but remaining silent.
"Of what incidents have the Council been directly the cause of?" Lord Freyr asked, causing Loki to smile slightly as names began to list.
"The Neíjta bloodbath. The Askival murdering, destruction of the Fields of Goljr, Death of Jorja, Myket, stealing of the Kaeflaltr, raiding of-"
"Enough." Helbindi spoke, eyes flashing angrily, "Of what events with Jotnar?"
Loki's jaw locked although he forcibly sent the words out, "birth of Sleipnir, Seclusion of Fenrir-"
"The Asgardian council is the reason of the beasts entrapment within our mountains?" King Byleistr asked in a thinly veiled anger, "Enough."
"Indeed. Such corruption and such anger- if it were not for your stubborn blood, I would advise a shift within the crown." Nidhoggr chuckled darkly, causing such a sharp inhalation from the crowd it was stunning.
"Your council will be dismissed, departed. Those will each be individually investigated, and depending on their crimes, dealt with." Lady Hela spoke, turning to look at Odin who only swallowed silently.
"Indeed." Surtr spoke, a deep chuckling.
"Your kingdom is breaking at the seams, Odin" King Helbindi spoke with a dark flash of emotion, "One strong press and your castles will fall."
"Is that a threat?" Odin dared, looking over at the two Jotuns sitting further down the table, "Do you dare threaten me, and my people?"
"We have given you many leases out of war. An unprovoked attack, and the death of my father draws our patience thin. Whose fault was that, Great king? Was it your 'council's '?" King Helbindi sneered, causing once more a sudden silence in the crowd.
"The actions leading to the slaying of King Laufey were admittedly my fault." Odin spoke with not a single waver of his voice, causing slight confusion.
"Oh? And how did he die?" King Byleistr sneered, obviously not expecting an answer, "Did you kill him." Obviously he had expected Loki to say no, completely expecting it to be Odin who had killed Laufey.
Loki of course, was forced to answer, even though the question as rhetorical.
"Yes" He spoke unwillingly, once more the words parting without his consent, causing a sudden hiss and gasp of surprise.
"What? Why?" King Helbindi snarled with sudden shock and anger, and of course, it caused Loki to answer.
"Patricide to gain honor." He spoke, hissing in anger once he had finished speaking.
"Patri- what?" Helbindi hissed in shock, recoiling in surprise as it seemed everybody else had also, "Patricide?"
"Your spell is faulty, Freyr." Byleistr growled, glaring at the women who had casted the spell.
Odin had a steely gaze as it glanced at Loki, whose one hand trembled slightly, trying not to weaken his hold.
"This is not relevant to our current case. On what cases was Loki found guilty of?" Lady Hela asked, glancing over at Odin who responded stiffly.
"Attempted Genocide, Patricide, Murder, attempting to subjugate Midgard-"
"And of all of these guilty crimes, which are actually true in words?" Surtr asked, causing a slight smirk on the golem's face.
"…We will speak of Patricide at a different time." Odin spoke, giving a pointed look at Helbindi and Byleistr, before looking back at Loki.
"In agreement? Loki is innocent of all cases before. I see no reason for his punishment to continue, nor for his entrapment upon this realm. Loki Odinson is welcome in Alfheim." Lord Freyr smiled, causing Loki to smile ever so slightly.
"I would say that you are welcome within the shores of Helheim, of course you always have been," Hela mused with a smile.
That got the crowd going, confusion and whispers as Tony arched an eyebrow, glancing at Loki who only gave a small smile.
"I will willingly restore Narvi to your realm, or any realm of yours, and Sigyn's choice." She smiled, leaning back in her chair. "Has this court come to a conclusion?"
"I have." King Orcex spoke, his mouth giving a twisted smirk as he glanced at Lord Leifi, "We are dismantling Odin's court, correct?"
'Hell yeah we are.' Tony smirked, looking at Sigyn out of the corner of his eye with a smirk.
"Yes." Nidhoggr smirked, his messenger twisting and coiling happily, "and of Thanos?"
"I will send warriors for the souls and destruction of his vermin." Surtr snarled, the golem shifting its wings uncomfortably.
"As well as I. Archers and sorcerers will assist." Lord Freyr nodded.
"Dwarves will supply weaponry, and our warriors will assist if such threat is true." King Orcex scowled, causing attention to draw to the two Jotuns sitting next to him.
"And of you, Kin- Kings. Will you assist?" Lord Freyr asked glancing at the two Jotuns.
They glanced at each other before Helbindi scowled, "We will send a scout. If such a threat exists, then we will fall to battle as we once did, and we will do once more."
Lord Freyr nodded, glancing at Odin while he scowled slightly, "…Odin?"
"We will assist." He spoke after little hesitation, obviously attempting to restore any sense of superiority in the situation.
"I may not be able to open my gates, but I will see which forces can be restored to the living and fight alongside the realms." Hela spoke, glancing over towards the needle mouth monster, "Nidhoggr? I know not of what forces you are able to spare within the mists."
"And let the Mad Titan wreck ruin upon the entire great tree?" Nidhoggr spoke, his voice loud and deeper as he gave a short laugh, "No. I will burn those who dare attack my realm."
It seemed with his words Hela had been startled, her eyes looking towards the needle mouth creature as if in surprise, and very slowly a small smile flickered upon the visible portions of her lips.
"Then this court has finished." King Helbindi spoke, glancing over at King Orcex who nodded.
"Dismissed."
How did i even write so much so fast?
Anyways, this was...still, a filler. The actual chapter will be next, and more realization of Loki's sudden innocence in Asgard, as well as the moment (i've) been waiting for! Narvi!
Okay- REVIEW PEOPLE!
~Oceanbreeze7
Heh- funny thing.
For the 3 of you who have already read this- sorry, i realized i forgot the last line when i copy n' pasted. Fixed that..
By the way! Ophelia Lokidottir: sorry, but you're wrong. :P