"Loki?"
"Yes, Thor. It's me."
Many years had passed from the death of Prince Loki. The writings spoke of him often in ending the War of the Ages. Times had been peaceful in their realm and Asgard had been governed with wisdom and integrity under the watchful eye of King Thor and Queen Jane and though many did not know it, the careful gaze of Loki. He had made a promise to their mother that they would rule together and he intended to do just that. Slipping from his form as chaos, he spoke with his brother in times of need. Often he burned through entire galaxies to bridge the channel, he was sure they were irrelevant anyhow. Though his magic remained strong, his visits to Thor were few. This was to be the last.
"Are you there?"
Pulling magic from places he ought not to, Loki gathered it into the form he once knew so well.
"I am here."
He smiled as he approached the bed.
"My, my, brother. The years have not been kind to you," he teased as Thor struggled to sit up. Pages and servants rushed to assist, Thor's own children wiping his brow and soothing him.
"I have been ruling a realm."
"I have been dead," Loki quirked an eyebrow. "I still find the time to comb my hair."
Thor chuckled, starting himself coughing. Loki sat on the bed, the others unaware of his presence.
"Does it hurt?"
"No, father. It won't hurt," the eldest of his children soothed. Thor looked at Loki for confirmation.
"It's like your own personal Ragnorak," he answered with wide eyes only to see Thor look panic stricken. "I was just joking," he added. "I am sure it will be painless and peaceful."
"I have missed you all so much. First mother...then I lost you."
"I know."
"Now Jane," he looked at the ceiling and the sight of his sorrow was painful.
"Life is a lot lonelier than death," Loki said calmly. He could see the glam lifting from his brother.
"Did it hurt- when-"
"When I was run through with a spike? I've had worse."
"Of course. I forgot, I am sorry."
Loki nodded before hopping up onto the bed. He had to step over the hands that fussed over his brother.
"Are you ready to go?"
"I am ready."
Loki reached out a hand for Thor to take and began casting the magic that would save him from any pain.
"Yes, father. Can you see the light?"
Loki looked down at the nephew he had never met.
"They're so like you," he said dryly. "Always so dramatic." He felt Thor grasp his hand then and he pulled them through the aether to the realm of nothing.