I AM SO FUCKING PROUD OF THIS CHAPTER! It's extra long, just like I hoped it would be. (Heh that's what she said) I made this and the next chapter is when the story starts getting juicy. I hope I made the news stations as accrued as possible (cough cough Fox News) I thank you guys for getting me to get this far in my writing. I love seeing new reviews on my work, it just drives me to write more for my amazing readers! I hope you guys enjoy this chapter because it was so much fun to write. And maybe… hint hint… there's a person in this chapter… Any-who! All of you, stay safe, healthy, productive, and awesome! On with the story!
-Cluelessreader
Chapter 16
BBC News
Aired: July 23 2018
In today's news the small nation of New Asgard seems to be making leaps and bounds in its construction. With the help of the East African kingdom Wakanda, somehow New Asgard has been speeding in its city plans.
It leads people to question what Wakanda really is if the poor country can help another."
FOX NEWS
Aired: August 3 2018
World leaders questions have been building, since the bombing and assassination of former Wakandan King T'Chaka, over what Waknda really is. It is known for being the poorest county but that doesn't seem to be the case.
In Busan, South Korea a few years ago, there was a large and very destructive chase throughout its streets. The one chasing was two female black warriors and a person in a black cat like suit. For a while no news could be found of the people, except photos civilians got of the being when the chase ended.
People only got photos of the cat suit but recently new security video footage has surfaced of the prince of Wakanda walking to the market and never leaving. Two women with him fitting the two in the civilian photos.
Where would they have a suit that seems as advanced as Iron Man?
If they are really a poor country, how could they have such advanced suits?
Why would the country lie?
If they could be helping others they should be.
What are they really hiding?
CNN
Aired: August 7 2018
Today Queen of Wakanda, Queen Ramonda, has spoken out about accusations regarding the East African nation. Many have been asking questions about the nation when interesting photos came to light, as well as information of the nation helping New Asgard.
She was ready with a response.
"I am here, as Queen Mother, to answer everything. Yes. Our kingdom has many advancements that no other country knows about. Only a select few have ever been allowed in my borders and learn our secret.
But we are advanced. More advanced than any in the world. And we are not the poorest country, we are the most successful monarch in the world and we have kept our own safe and kept our prosperity by hiding from the world.
But that can no longer happen…
My son, T'Challa was taken by the snap, and all his efforts to help other nations were put on hold by my grief. I realize now, that is unfair. My son may have passed but he wanted to help so that is what me and my daughter will do.
We are starting with a new nation that has come to us, begging for help.
Prince Loki of New Asgard has reached to us and his kind will be the first we reach our hand out to. If things go well, we will keep working on reaching out to other countries that need aid."
With the shocking information of what was once thought to be a poor and third world country, The United Nations are currently speaking on how to handle the new information. A few are upset with Wakanda for lying while others understand hiding.
For more happy news regarding the truth from Wakanda is the new small nation of New Asgard getting much needed aid. Their Prince has been focusing his work on building up buildings with the help of the Wakandan princess, Princess Shuri. We have yet to get any words from New Asgard's king or prince yet.
MSNBC
Aired: August 29 2018
The King and Prince of New Asgard have finally spoken out regarding their new home. With the new nation being under many other countries watch, the royals have finally spoken out today.
"I am King Thor, and it is true my brother went in search of help. He used his abilities and found Wakanda. He went to them and with him helping them, we earned an alliance with Queen Ramonda and Princess Shuri.
Princess Shuri and my brother have been building New Asgard together. Piece by piece. Had it not been for Prince Loki, I'm sure our kingdom would still only be tents and few wood buildings.
With the help of Wakanda and their willingness to show themselves to the world, we have finally made real progress on the land we were giving. Slowly but surely, our home is starting to look like it."
King Thor trusts the Wakandans with his heart, even understanding staying a secret, so it is no surprise that the hidden nation and new land of refugees would be willing to make an alliance.
What many fear, is what the ability of a powerful Wakanda and powerful Asgardians means for the rest of the world.
"I can't wait for this mess to be done and over with. We're trying to do great things, I do not need the news or anyone else for that matter breathing down my neck about it." Thor said, completely done with everything.
Loki sat at the kitchen table, Princess Shuri had given him a set of those beads so he could keep making plans and blueprints while she was back home at Wakanda.
Thor could tell Loki had enough of people harassing New Asgard and Wakanda. It was driving them crazy. Loki quickly made a comment on that.
"Only I'm allowed to drive you crazy!"
"Maybe if we just focus on New Asgard's construction, it would make things speedy-er and could keep your attention on us and not, whatever else is going on in Midgard." Loki said, moving his hands along the blue screen. Thor watched as he made plans for the town square. He knew Loki would make it as grand as Asgard.
"Your right little brother." He sighed but did nod. "Your right. Now, what are you and the princess going to start on first?"
Clearly Thor asked the right question. Loki smiled and sat next to him. "Okay look," He said as he showed the screen, different plans all over the screen. "I think the main goal is to start with the town square. We're going to build a fountain in the middle and a building making a square around the fountain area. Tall buildings with arches leading to other parts of New Asgard. The large buildings are going to be the main shopping area for everyone. There will be many stores and shops. It's awesome that the town square over shows the coast line, so we're gonna make a dock there. International trading once everything's done and settled. So that way if the shop owners need material or product, they can get it quickly! It's perfect!"
Showing building plan after building plan, Loki didn't notice Thor's soft smile.
"Those large arches are gonna lead to many of the living areas. Princess Shuri's input was something called apartments. It makes housing many people comfortable possible with such little land. The houses look amazing! And then- Thor? You're not looking." Loki said, finally noticing his brother's proud eyes on him and not the hologram screen.
"You planned all this?" Thor asked.
"Well… me and Princess Shuri made them. I just showed her what Asgard looked like and she modified it with her tech, so that way we could actually make the plans a reality. She really liked all the gold." Loki joked a bit.
"I'm not surprised, with your magic and her mind, you will make New Asgard flourish."
"We will make it flourish brother. You as king and me as your adviser. Just as father planned."
What?
Thor shook his head a bit. "I'm sorry, what do you mean 'just as father planned'?" Thor asked. Some dread growing in place of happiness that was just there.
"Thor… did you really think father was gonna make me the next king of Asgard?" Loki said with an easy smile. "Anyway! We need you to look over these. So New Asgard can start looking like a real home for Asgardians." Loki diverted.
He wanted to keep talking to Loki about his thoughts… but knew better than to try to force words out of him. When it came to speaking Loki could always trap anyone whenever he wanted. Best Thor waits for another opportunity.
But the words would stay in his head.
FOX NEWS
Aired: September 13 2018
It seems the child prince of New Asgard has powers of his own that maybe others should be worried over. Not only are the newcomers aliens, but they are super powered aliens at that! We thought super strength and long lives was all we had to fear but now the kid shows magic!
Magic! Here we thought magic wasn't real.
When some from the united nations posed questions to New Asgard over protecting themselves, their king made no comment.
Which shouldn't be much of a surprise!
Their king being superhero Avenger, Thor. The one with all the lightning and dangerous powers. Yea. Him.
Now we have his kid brother, who can do lord knows what!
Bet you all feel safe now.
If anyone from New Asgard is watching this, You should go home. We're already dealing with too many things. More people popping up with powers or whatever they have. We don't need more things to deal with! The united nation should listen to those wanting them out!
BBC News
Aired: September 23 2018
The world is in awe with the progress of New Asgard. With help from Wakanda, their land has grown quickly. There are no longer tents and small structures but real buildings. No skyscrapers yet, but New Asgard is now on par with first world countries.
Their home a mix of modern architecture, international style, expressionist and deconstructivism. They have a large shopping area, even few neighborhoods have been completed.
The next things on their to-do list, according to King Thor, is the docks and transportation.
"What do you mean you don't know his birthday!" Princess Shuri exclaimed. Somehow while Loki was working on the protective border around New Asgard, Princess Shruri and his brother were talking about something.
"He was only a few weeks away from his naming day… we don't know it's correlated day in earth time." Loki overheard Thor speaking.
"What's a naming day?" Princess Shuri asked. She was looking at the hologram screen. Watching over the connection rout for their own shield. Shuri was helpful in telling Loki where the piece of tech needed to be buried to stay hidden and still work. Thank the Norns for his magic.
"It is a way of celebrating the day he was born."
"A birthday?"
"I believe that's what it's called here."
Loki tuned out the conversation, working on keeping the large curved metal in the air while his magic worked to dig out where the metal was meant to go.
"So he's ten?"
"The days on Asgard were a lot longer than here, I believe his day comes a bit later now."
"So when is his birthday?"
The ground was dug out enough. The exact depth that Princess Shuri told him. Delicately, he started lowering the important tech.
"I know not."
"What!"
Loki turned his head back quickly, his magic flickering at yelling. The pressure of the metal on his magic pulls his attention back to the heavy metal that's supposed to be handled with care. Lest he risk it breaking and ruining all the work he had just done.
He heard Princess Shuri run up to him, but her attention was still on Thor. "What do you mean you don't know his birthday!" Princess Shuri exclaimed.
"It's not that important anyway Princess, now please! I need to focus!" Loki shouted, effectively shutting the two behind him up.
He fixed the leverage of the metal, noticing it had shifted a bit to the left of the pit meant for it.
"You don't know your birthday?" Princess Shuri asked him. A lot more quietly, Loki noticed.
"I do not." He replied, still his attention on the metal that was about three times the size of Thor. He couldn't focus on naming days and birthdays at the moment.
It went into the ten foot hole, Loki connected it to the last placed metal piece, and waited. In a few seconds the metal hummed to life, blue lights running through it and telling him he finished the next part of the chain.
He lowered his hands, the slight glow of green disappearing. Looking at his work he smiled a bit, wiping the bit of sweat that formed on his face.
"Nineteen done, ten to go." Loki said as he turned to face Thor and Shuri.
"Great! Progress is right on schedule." Princess Shuri said, taping her screen. There was an aerial view of New Asgard, a perfect circle wrapped around it. Meeting the border they could not cross, since it belonged to another country. The circle was 65.5% blue, 34.5 of it still glowed red.
"Now, back to the important conversation at hand. You don't know your birthday?"
Loki rolled his eyes. "No. I don't know my birthday."
The group walked back to town, it was sunset, so work was done for the day. Lady Brunnhilde was keeping an eye on the home's progress, sending updates from a pair of beads Princess Shuri gave her.
"Well… what did it look like when you were born?" Princess Shuri asked.
"How would I remember that?" Loki said with a roll of his eyes. "Would you remember right? You were already a few hundred years old when Mother had me." He looked to Thor… and saw something he didn't think he would.
Thor looked nervous and guilty.
"I do remember."
"Great! What did it look like when he was born? Sunny? Warm? Flowers everywhere?" Princess Shuri asked, not noticing anything.
"It was night time, and it was cold…"
Loki raised an eyebrow. His parents never talked about what his birth was like, seeing Thor now… maybe he should have been more concerned about that.
"Loki was born in the winter of Asgard." Thor continued.
"Okay! That narrows it down. December, January and February. Start of winter, middle of winter and end of winter." Shuri laid out the options.
"It was cloudless during that day… then in the middle of the evening it started snowing heavily." Thor explained.
"First snow of that year?" Shuri asked.
Thor nodded.
"Then it's gonna be a day in December. Now what day…" Shuri looked to the sky in thought.
Loki only watched Thor next to him. Thor looked too anxious to be talking about his birth.
"What about the 17th?" Shuri asked, eyes lighting up.
"The 17th?" Loki asked, looking back to Princess Shuri.
"Why not. You look like a 17 kind of person."
Loki thought about it for a minute. December 17th… it doesn't sound so bad. "What do you think, Thor? Does December 17th sound right to you?" Loki asked, watching extra closely at his body language.
Thor looked deep in thought, he shook his head slightly, as if clearing his head. "This date sounds appropriate." He finally answered, a slightly forced smile on his face.
"Then it is settled! Your birthday, or naming day, is now December 17th!" Princess Shuri announced.
Thor kept his gaze straight, not looking at Loki all the way back home. Loki would have to look into this…
CNN
Aired: October 18 2018
Today a large protective border was finally activated in the nation of New Asgard. Being supplied by Wakanda, It seems most everything is done regarding New Asgard.
Regarding the announcement released a few months ago, New Asgard has finally released the date in which the nation will have its first celebration. As with their costumes, the completion of New Asgard is going to be a nationwide celebration.
The celebration will be held December 17th, in honor of its completion and in celebration of the nation's own prince's birthday. Or, naming day, as Asgardians call it.
Many countries look forward to seeing New Asgard in person as well as meeting King Thor.
Words mocked Thor. From Loki's birth to the truth about him. Should Thor tell Loki? Or do as his father did? The only reason Loki found out was because he went to Jotunheim after all…
No! That would just be a repeat of everything!
But… how would he tell Loki? His parents failed in it before… who's to say Thor wouldn't as well?
"What has you all concerned?" A woman's voice jumped him out of his inner turmoil.
"Hello Valkyrie." He spoke, not his normal loud tone.
"Hey. Now what's going on?" She asked as she sat down next to him. "You only sit alone on his beach if somethings wrong, worrying, or regarding Loki. Now spill."
He laughed a bit, but no humor was in it. "I didn't think I was that obvious…"
"You're not your brother. Now what is it?" She said, not giving Thor a chance to avoid this conversation.
"It- It's Loki…"
"I figured as much, Thor. What about him?"
"Princess Shuri was asking about his birth…"
"And?"
"And- and it brought up some things."
Valkyrie rolled her eyes. "Out with it Thor!"
"Loki's adopted!" Thor yelled.
"What…?"
Thor sighed, placing his head in his hands. "Loki's adopted… he's not even Asgardian."
"What! What is he?" Valkyrie asked, eyes wide.
"He's Jotun…" Thor answered.
"Jotun. That small kid? Yea right." Valkyrie said as she rolled her eyes. "You got me there, very funny. Now what's really-"
"I'm not lying, Valkyrie. You know I have no talent for that. Father told me about his parentage. He is the son of Laufey. But he was abandoned since he was small for a Jotun child. Odin found him and thought he could be… useful? I do not know the right words for Father's actions."
"Odin wanted to use him?"
"No! Well… kind of? I know not. Father said Loki could have bridged the gap between Asgard and Jotunhim, made peace between them." Thor spoke.
"It sounds like kidnapping a child to have a future puppet king to me. Was he sure Loki was abandoned?" Valkyrie asked.
Thor shook his head. "I do not know. From what Father told me, he seemed left to die."
"Okay… what are you going to do?"
"That's what I can't figure out Valkyrie. I remember what happened when my father didn't tell Loki. Loki found out on his own, and it… it broke him. I do not think he will figure it out now but at the same time… I do not want to make the same mistakes Father or Mother made. I do not wish for Loki to go down the same path he did once before…"
"Then… tell him. You have to. If you want to make sure nothing bad happens again right?" Valkyrie told him.
"But how?"
"I don't know. You know me, I'm blunt. I don't care what happens, if it's the truth then it's gotta be said."
Thor sighed again. He would never figure this out.
"He's your brother Thor. Clearly you care for him, and he cares for you. He's a child, tell him now and don't keep waiting on it. If you do everything is going to happen all over again somehow. So change it now."
The words struck a chord in him. He didn't want a repeat of what happened. He has his brother back, before everything corrupted him… he was given a chance to change things now. Best he doesn't ruin it and repeat history.
"Feeling better?" Valkyrie asked as she stood up.
"A bit." He answered, a small smile on his face.
"Good. Now start thinking of what you're gonna say. Oh! By the way, Loki said it's dinner time. It's his cooking day tonight. Don't wanna miss that." She started walking back toward town, back home.
Thor looked out to the ocean, the setting sun reminding him of Asgard. "Tell me what to do Father, Mother. I do not want to mess up this chance you've given me."
BBC News
Aired: October 29 2018
Many cases of missing objects, switched plants, and over all pranks have been happening the past week. A new surge of pranks has eyes turned to resident God of mischief.
"My garden was finally growing and it ended up across the walkway to my neighbors patio! I got their plants and he got mine. I've heard that's been going on all over the place. Stuff being switched around or popping up in the oddest of places. It's a little bit of a bother. But it does make New Asgard seem like our old home."
While some people are less than enthused at the small cases of pranks littering New Asgard, others welcome it. Some even take part.
"My own daughter has been having fun pranking me and my husband. We haven't seen her smile since we lost Asgard. To me and my husband, we will deal with every prank if it keeps our daughter smiling like normal."
"It's like old times to me and my brother. Back then we used to see who could pull the most tricks without being caught. Granted our mom is less than enthused about it but I see her smiling when she thinks we don't see here. Sure, Prince Loki might seem annoying with all his tricks but it's making New Asgard feel normal to us."
Some here in the studio have theories as to the surge or pranks. Seeing as it is New Asgard's first halloween.
Thor watched on as Loki practiced his cloning magic. But he could tell Loki wasn't very focused. "Come on Thor! It's amazing! A night to scare people, where costumes and eat as much sweets as you want! It's my kind of holiday!" Loki said, clearly excited.
"So I can assume you are behind all the mischief happening around here these past few days." Thor said sitting on a chair with his arms crossed, a smug smile on his face.
Loki's magic flickered as he flinched a bit. "N-no. Well… not all of it."
"Not all of it."
"Hey! It's not my fault if others want to have fun too."
Thor rolled his eyes a bit. "Alright. How are you going to celebrate Halloween anyway? No one here, even you, have any idea how it works." Thor asked.
"Oh! Thats easy. Princess Shuri said if I teleport us to the U.S. then she knew where to go for my first halloween." Loki answered.
"And when were you going to tell me?" Thor asked.
"... now…?"
Thor raised an eyebrow.
"Can I please go with Shuri?" Loki asked.
"Well… I don't know…"
"Let the kid go Thor. You know he's done enough work to warrant it." Valkyrie spoke up, walking outside from inside the house.
"Valkyrie!"
"You can go Lackey."
"Thanks Lady Valkyrie!" Loki said, already charging his magic.
"No Loki! I didn't-"
The magic flared and with a wink of his eye to Valkyrie he poofed away.
Thor stood there. Annoyed to boot. Laughter filled his ears.
"I didn't say he could go by the way."
"Yea? And what makes you think he wasn't gonna go if you told him no?" Valkyrie said as she raised her eyebrow, already walking inside like she won the argument… which she did.
"Yea well! He still could have asked me!"
She only hummed in response.
Yep. she won alright.
He'd have to thank Lady Brunnhilde when he got back to New Asgard. Loki quickly made it to Wakanda, bowing to the guards as he passed.
"It is good to see you again Prince Loki." One of the women said as he passed.
"It's good to see you too Lady Thibo!"
He knew the paths of Wakanda by heart with how many times he poofs in. Loki ran right to where Princess Shuri said to meet him. Soon enough he was right outside the throne room.
"Thank you Mother!" Princess Shuri said as she walked out.
"You just got permission too?"
"Yes. But at least I asked someone."
"Hey! Technically I asked Lady Brunnhilde!" Loki defended.
"Okay okay, now what are you going as?" Shuri asked. The confusion on his face must have answered her question. "You have no idea do you?"
He only shook his head.
"Okay… oh! I know! It's perfect for you!" She activated her beads. A few photos popping up. One was some girl in some kind of outfit that looked an awful lot like Thor's old uniform. crownlet with two wings on each side of the head as well. Another was a girl with different colored eyes and cat ears. The last was a green person, with yellow hair.
"I'm going as Catra."
He only looked at her blankly.
"She's from an American show I'm watching. Cool cat girl! Plus you can't go wrong with her headdress?"
"You have a point I suppose."
"Now you… could be Double Trouble!"
Another blank look.
"Their this character," She pointed out the right character. "They're a shapeshifter. Super manipulative and tricky. Plus his colors match yours." Princess Shuri added.
"I do like tricks and trouble. I'm okay with it. Why do you say 'they'?" Loki asked.
"Oh, thats cause they're nonbinary. They are people who may experience a gender identity that is neither exclusively male or female or is in between or beyond both genders." Princess Shuri explained.
"Huh… interesting. Any who, you have your costume?" Loki asked.
"Yep! Made it myself!" She said happily as she led him to her room. "What about you? How are you going-"
He held up his hand, effectively silencing her. "Watch." He said with a sly smile. Magic formed around him completely. It faded away leaving Loki with the black and green costume, complete with the black high heels. His black hair, longer than normal and in the fashion of the photo Shuri showed him. His eyes looked cat like and yellow.
"Tada!"
"That's amazing! But you still don't look like him. He's green, has a tail and pointy ears. Oh! And blond hair."
"I thought this was a costume, not a mimicry." Loki replied. "But fine." He changed again, this time almost perfectly resembling the character from the show. Only difference was the height. This double trouble looked more like a child, like him younger.
"Better, your highness?" Loki asked snarkily.
She laughed, walking around him. "You can change into anything?" He nodded. "Wow… that's amazing." She shook her head and headed to her bed, where a red and black costume was laid out.
"You mind helping me out?" She asked.
Loki leaned on a wall, arms crossed over his chest, looking at his new nail job, granted the photo didn't have his nails painted black, but Loki liked it. "Sure, then we leave right?"
Princess Shuri nodded. Loki snapped his fingers and the costume was on her while her regular clothes were laid in the same spot where the costume was. "I'm going to add my own little details if thats alright."
"What are you going to do?"
"You want the different colored eyes or no?"
"Yes please!"
Loki closed his eyes and focused. Remembering the image. He lifted his hand and green wrapped around Princess Shuri. He would be adding better looking ears and tail, plus the proper nails while he was at it.
The magic faded away and Princess Shuri looked at herself. "Hey! I worked hard on those ears!" Loki rolled his yellow slit pupil eyes but her original ears and tail returned. "Thank you. Okay now we have to go to Texas. A place called Six Flags Over Texas, I've heard they have a Halloween festival every year! It's called fright fest, we've gotta make your first Halloween amazing!"
Princess shuri showed him where he was headed. A large park of some kind with long strips of metal structures. He looked a little skeptical but if she said it was fun then he would trust her. He focused on the image, seeing the address and narrowed his magic on the U.S. then Texas then Arlington. "Got it. Let's go."
She placed her hand on his shoulder as he told her to do back when he first showed her teleportation, and they were off. In a split second they were not in Wakanda but outside the gates of a huge park. A large line outside the gates.
"Don't mind the lines, I got what we need for it." Princess Shuri walked to a smaller line that said V.I.P. She grabbed his hand and dragged him behind her. Loki looked around, seeing so many different costumes. Some that look store bought, some of superheroes, villains, cartoon characters, comic book characters, movie stars, others just came in regular clothes. There to look on at everyone else.
"Hey kid! Killer costume!" Someone yelled from the other line. The group of people the teenager was with turned and started agreeing.
Loki flushed a bit, since his skin was green the blush only looked darker green. "Thank you." He responded.
Soon enough him and Princess Shuri were the ones in front of the line.
"Passes please." A woman sitting next to the V.I.P entrance said.
Princess Shuri handed two passes and they were let in.
Loki didn't know what to expect but he was excited. "Okay, close your eyes Loki. I've gotta see your face." He rolled his eyes but did close them. He felt her move him forward, his ears picked up everything around them, from adults talking with each other, young kids yelling, some sort of music on speakers. He smelt the best sweets he thought he'd ever smelt before.
"Okay okay, now… open your eyes."
He did. And it was more than he could have thought of.
There was a huge spinning thing with horses going in circles with golden lights in it. Next to that was a country looking place and beyond that was cartoon looking characters, Looney Toons written pretty much everywhere. For some reason that was mixed with Super heroes. DC's Justice League. Then behind everything else was the tallest metal contraptions Loki's ever seen.
All around people were in costumes or regular clothes, some were families others were groups of adults or teenagers. There was screaming everywhere but it seemed out of joy then from harm. But he definitely heard fear from a few. There was talking and laughing and it was just about the coolest place he's ever seen.
His yellow eyes widened as a huge smile filled his face.
"I knew you'd like it! Isn't it amazing!" Princess Shuri yipped, showing just as much excitement as him. "I've only ever seen 360 videos of this place so I kinda spoiled it for myself, but man! Your reaction was priceless. Loki didn't even notice as she lowered her arm, the beads hologram screen flickered away.
"What were you doing? What was that?" Loki asked quickly.
"Nothing much, just recording something."
Loki narrowed his eyes. "It's nothing! Honest. Now why don't we get you on some rides!" She diverted as she grabbed his wrist and started running toward a tower.
"You can't lie to a god of lies Shuri!" Loki yelled over all the noise.
"Yea yea whatever, okay look!" They stopped in front of something. It had three white towers, different colors inside the towers. One was yellow, the other was red and the last was blue. A large triangle held all the towers together at the very top. There was some sort of 'S' in a diamond symbol. "Superman Tower of Power! The first ride I want you to go on."
Loki looked at the base, the three towers had three rows of seats around each side. It could seat 3 people to each side. The person manning the ride had just finished checking the blue towers seats. He walked off the platform and announced something over a speaker.
"The first ride of Tower of Power is happening in 3...2...1."
"Oh you're gonna love this!" Princess Shuri said with pure excitement.
The ride started rising slowly. Scared screams already ringing out below. A few people were cheering with their legs stretched out and hands straight in the air.
"Why am I on this!"
"Suck it up!"
"Bruh the best part is happening!"
"I'm gonna vomit!"
They reached closer to the middle of the tower… then stopped. All the yelling and talking stopped as well. Then with a loud crack the blue towers passengers came crashing down. Every person on the ride was yelling from pure terror or pure joy. Some huddled in on each other so tight while others were dangling every limb.
"I hate you!"
"Super man!"
"I'm not a man! Get me off!"
Loki watched as the seats slowed to fast and went straight back up. The 'oofs' of everyone from being launched down to straight up reached his ears. It went down three more times before it went all the way to the top. It stayed there for two seconds before crashing back down. Now everyone was purely screaming. It slowed and finally reached the last bit of distance before the seats unlocked again.
"I fucking hate you."
"BLARGARGLAGRGAARLRARLRARLURAH!"
"Don't hurl on my shoes!"
"I'm going again!"
The line moved forward as more tower seats were filled this time.
"I don't know Shuri… I don't think this is-"
"Safe? It's perfectly safe, you'll be fine! Let's go!" She threw a fist in the air as she dragged him further into the line. "Yes we have V.I.P but some of the best part about these parks is waiting in lines and hearing everything. It builds anticipation!"
"I don't think I need anymore anticipation, thank you." Loki replied watching the other towers take off.
"Hey kid! That's an amazing costume! Double Trouble right?" A teenage girl said behind him. Her two other friends looked and he swears their eyes sparked.
"Yep, thats me."
"How did you make the tail look so real!"
"Your eyes are so creepy! It's awesome!"
"I love the body paint you used!"
Loki blushed again, not used to the complements. "It was my friend here who made my costume." He said bringing Princess Shuri into the conversation. Really trying to get over his anxiety over the impending ride.
"How did she make your costume if hers doesn't look as real?"
"Maybe fur isn't her thing?"
"My costume is just fine thank you very much!" Princess Shuri replied, turning her back to the group of girls. Loki followed suit. If they were going to be rude to his friend then they clearly weren't the best people to talk to.
He leaned over her shoulder to speak to her. "I told you just to let me magic it up." He said smugly. She rolled her eyes but was smiling.
"At least mines an actual costume but hey, magic it up." She mocked.
Loki smiled and it quickly went away as he realized… he was next.
Princess Shuri grabbed his wrist and walked him to the empty rows of the Yellow tower. "At least you'll match the color scheme." She quipped.
"I can't do this Shuri…"
"Nonsense! Now sit!" She shoved him down in a chair, once done she moved to the next one in the middle. Great, he was on the edge. The person running the ride walked around and secured the seats.
Loki could feel something in his stomach. He tried breathing but the odd feeling was still there.
"3...2...1" The person spoke over the intercom. The ride lurched up a bit before slowly climbing up. The pressure building inside Loki. He didn't want to be here. He did not want to be here!
He heard other conversations happening but tried to focus on breathing. He does magic for a living yet he was scared of some Midgardian contraption?
"Calm down Loki, you'll be fine. Just close your eyes, it will make it easier to deal with." Shuri suggested as the ride stopped in the middle of the tower.
He nodded shakily and closed his eyes. Mimicking the person he remembered seeing, he tucked in as much of him as he could. He waited and waited. Then the horrible click happened and crashing down he went. His insides not keeping up with his body. Two seconds and he was being pushed up again. His breath lost before the ride sent him down again. Each time getting a little better to deal with, closing his eyes really did help. The ride slowly went up and up and up. He opened his eyes and all the fear was gone.
He saw the curve of the earth, lights from the city's far away while seeing the large forest that surrounded the park. There were some planes in the air, they looked like stars to him. A large full moon reached his sight just passing over the horizon. It was huge and still gold. Making everything seem calm again. He heard nothing then down he went, even faster than the last three times.
He didn't know why a smile reached his face but there it was. He screamed and screamed but somehow laughing was mixed in. He completely forgot his fear of the height or the speed of the ride and was there enjoying everything in the moment.
The ride finally slowed down and he was back on ground level.
The person unlocked their seats and Princess Shuri jumped up, Loki following just as quickly.
"That was amazing! It was like what i've never experienced before!" Loki yelled happily.
He heard other people either just as happy as him or still scared shitless.
"I told you you would like it! Now come on! The night is still young!"
And off they went. Riding everything in their sights. First the Batman ride, then Catwoman Whip, then the Conquistador. Seeing Dive Bomber Alley, they both jumped together, a almost free fall before swinging to a stop. Then going on the Texas SkyScreamer. The swings were so calm and free, it showed everything Loki had seen on the Tower of Power. The moon was further up in the sky, now a pure white. They went on the Texas Giant then full of adrenaline rushed to the Titan.
The dizzying speeds and stomach turning drops filling Loki with a rush of excitement he's never felt before. They eventually ride everything two more times over again. Once having their fill of zero gravity they walked back to the food court area. Hunger filling their stomachs now.
They sat in some sort of western like food court. Both feet tired from running around and waiting in lines for hours on end, they were not in any rush to wait in the food line.
"Wait! I'm so dumb! We have V.I.P, you wait here, I'll go get us everything on that menu." Princess Shuri jumped up with a new found vigor, rushing into line.
So there Loki sat, watching the groups of people walking by. Some adults are drunk on either alcohol or life. Kids ran around with toy's won from the arcade area. Everything looked amazing and fun to him.
"Back!" Princess Shuri yipped, drawing his attention back to the table he was seated at. "Hotdogs to funnel cake. Everything kids like us will enjoy!"
Loki looked on, eyeing the sweets. He's always had a sweeter tooth than anyone in Asgard.
"What's this...cake?"
"That's funnel cake. It's fried something covered in powdered sugar." Shuri answered.
"You know not what it is, yet you still eat it?"
"Today is a day where I don't have to care. It's Halloween and I'm gonna eat as much Bast knows what."
"Can't argue with that." Loki said as they hit their cups full of soda together.
Each thing tastes different and absolutely amazing to him. Asgard had nothing that tasted so sweet and good. They both had their fair share of whatever they were eating and chatted amongst themselves, mostly judging other costumes and people watching.
A large crowd formed around the spinning horses, and Loki being Loki, he got curious.
"What's going on ever there?" Loki asked, pointing to the mass of people.
"I think it's a costume contest." Princess Shrui answered.
His yellow eyes gleamed with mischief. A sly smile on his face.
"What are you thinking Loki?"
"I think I'm going to win a costume contest."
He got up and walked over to the spinning horses. There were some people on stage already but it seemed they were still taking in entries.
"Can I still enter?" He asked innocently to the person sitting at a table by the walkway to the ride.
"Sure can kid, your name?"
He thought for a second, best he doesn't say his real name right? Then inspiration hit, no one else looked like him after all.
"Double Trouble." He said as he bowed with a flourish.
The man's eyes widened a bit but he laughed and wrote it down. "Knock em dead kid."
"I would like to enter too please!" Princess Shuri said quickly with an excited look on her face.
"Alright, name please."
"My name is Shuri." She said. His face looked confused. "Oh. S-H-U-R-I." She spelled out. He nodded and wrote down her name.
"Up on the stage you two. Contest starts in a minute or two."
They gave their thanks as they walked on the 'stage'.
"What is this Shuri?" He finally asked.
"It's called a marry-go-round." She answered.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the 29th annual Fright Fest Costume Contest!" A woman announced into a microphone. She looked like a circus ringmaster. Wore a top hat and had a whip rolled up on her hip and everything. "Let's get a look at this year's contestants!"
Everyone around the mary-go-round started cheering, but soon quieted down as the line of people walked forward. Everyone in the audience seeing each person. There were a few giggles, and cheers, shouts of confidence, some boos at their friends competitors.
"To name everyone in this contest we'll go left to right." The women said, everyone quilted down to hear the names of everyone in the contest.
"I'm gonna freak them out." Loki whispered quietly to Shuri.
"How?"
"My tail is part of me like this, meaning I can move it all I want." He said with an excited smile. She gawked at him.
"First up is Liliana Jackson! As Catwomen!" The young teen walked up, her costume obviously from Amazon or something like that, but it did fit very well. She was the batman the animated series costume, so it won some points on nostalgia from the audience.
"The judges will score on costume, detail, and overall execution. It looks like the judges love this classic Catwoman!"
The people in the audience cheered, the group the girl came from shouted extra loud.
"Next up is Francis Phan! As a little Link! So cute!"
The little boy that walked forward was wearing a small homemade costume, a foam shield and sword. He posed and the crowd cheered some awed at the cuteness from him.
"Following that cute act is Koby Haworth." Instantly a group of teenage boys starting chanting. The teen walked on stage wearing the complete Master Chief armor.
"Lets go Koby!"
The teen took on a fighting stance, met with roaring cheers from most everyone. A few in the crowd spoke with one another asking who he was.
"Next up Alyssia Brett." The woman walked out, every boy and even a few girls whistled or cheered. The women wore a Prison school uniform, top open and showing just about everything. She had a white hair wig done up in a bon, and she held some kind of whip.
"I wonder how many points she'll get with that fiery costume." The announcer spoke, a faint blush on her face. One of the judges was an older woman, clearly not impressed and even a little pissed. "Probably not a lot of points apparently…" The announcer changed.
"Any who, next is Kiya Hulme!" A black woman walked out dressed as the Angelina Jolie version of Maleficent, set with closed wings and fake bird on her staff. Everyone in the crowd oo'd at the amazing costume, clearly handmaid.
"Pretty well done Maleficent I must say! Next up Clark Barlow. A man walked out dressed up as Clark Kent, suit kind of open showing a superman emblem underneath. People cheered for the creative and ironic costume.
"Wonder what's underneath!" A group of flirty women shouted. The man smiled and only winked at them before walking where everyone else was to make way for the other contestants.
"We have another well thought out costume! Next up is Connor Chandler and Greyson Bloom!" Two men walked out, one dressed as Connor and the other dressed as Hank from Detroit become human. Connor's clothes glowed the familiar blue and Hank carried a beer bottle. The people loved the duo.
"Lets go Connor!" Someone yelled.
Connor looked over confused as the light on the side of his head changed to a blinking yellow, and the crowd ate it up.
"Alright officer, next up on this a… um well he didn't give his real name."
The crowd went quiet, in anticipation of the mystery person.
"Welcome, Double Trouble!" The announcer said as Loki walked on stage.
Everyone cheered at the amazing 'costume'.
"I saw him earlier! You go dude!"
"Kids got balls of steel! Went on every ride here!"
"Hello darlings." Loki said crossing his hands over his chest, resting his head on his wrist, showing off the black nail paint. "Pleasure to meet you all." He spoke as the tail behind him swished around.
"Holy Shit!"
"That's amazing!"
"How did he do that!"
"Nice going kid, okay guys! We've got one more person before the judges reveal their top three and winner of this year's costume contest." The people quieted down and Loki moved next to all the other contestants. His tail still twisting and swishing around a bit.
"Nice tech work." Connor said quietly.
"Thanks." Loki replied with a friendly smile.
"Last but not least! Shuri, showing one heck of a take on kitty costumes!" The announcer said happily.
Princess Shuri walked on the stage, posed slashing her claws and eyes scanned the crowd.
"Wow! Her eyes are cool looking too!"
"Killer Catra girl!"
"Alright everyone, it is now up to our judges on the best costumes of this year! Everyone step forward!"
Everyone lined up in the order they were called and some still posed hoping to gain more points with the judges.
"And the results are in! The person in fourth place is... Francis Phan!" The woman walked over to the little link and put a bronze medal on him. He looked absolutely giddy at winning a place in the contest. He posed again, then showed his parents the medal before stepping back with a huge smile on his face.
"In third place is… Connor Chandler and Greyson Bloom!" Their group of friends shouted excitedly. The announcer walked up to the two and handed them each a small bronze trophy. It had the signature six flags on it with third place written on it.
The two held up the small trophies and pumped them in the air to their friends chanting their names. Connor, breaking character, smiled right along with Greyson.
"In second place… is Kiya Hulme!" She stayed in character a bit better, lifting her chin up with a very lovely smile on her face. The announcer handed her a silver slightly larger trophy, the same get up just said second place instead of third.
"That's my wife!" A man in the audience yelled, proudly. Everyone else giggling a bit at the outburst.
Kiya herself rolled her eyes but had a blush on her face nevertheless.
"Alright everyone. It's the moment everyone has been waiting for… the winner for first place is… Double Trouble!"
Loki looked shocked. Him win? That's new.
"Yes!" Princess Shuri yelled, putting her arm around his shoulder, shaking him.
The announcer handed him a gold trophy, with first place written on it.
"Give a hand for every person this year! We had some real show stoppers this time!" Everyone agreed and clapped for the people on stage. Some busted out their characters' signature pose, while others just pointed to their group or companions super excited.
Loki and Shuri just held up the trophy together, yelling right alongside everyone.
"See you all next year!" The announcer spoke as music started playing over the speakers. Everyone got off the stage and went to their respective groups. With the music playing everyone just started partying.
Of course Shuri and Loki stayed. Both receiving congratulations and complements from the people around them. They didn't realize how long they stayed listening to the music and dancing around, but soon it was already 1 Am. People soon started leaving, heading back through the main entrance of the park.
"Come on Loki, fest is over, wanna go find some candy to bring to Thor?"
"Sounds like a plan."
And the pair were off, Shuri telling Loki where to go and the pair raiding every house they got of delicious candy. They walked around, joined some teenage tricker-treaters, and talked about Norns knows what. The time flew by from 1 in the morning to 4 somehow.
"I'm tired and that's not good for magic, I think it would be best if we went home, while I can still take us there."
Princess Shuri nodded, opening open one of her chocolates. "Definitely a good idea." She placed her hand on his shoulder as Loki charged his magic with Wakanda in mind. He poofed and was met with the familiar golden African architecture.
"So… how'd you like your first Halloween?" Shuri asked plopping on her bed.
"I've never experienced anything like it. And I can't wait for the next one." Loki answered tiredly. "I must thank you for making this such a memorable night Shuri."
"Your welcome your highness." She said with a smile on her face. "You'd better get home before Thor loses his mind at you being gone for 9 hours."
"Best I listen to you in that regard, after all he never said I could go." He replied with a sly smile.
"See you around, Loki."
"Bye Princess Shuri." And he was off. Back home in the yard he teleported from. It was day time here and Loki was ready to sleep the whole day and night away. His magic faded the 'costume' away and left him looking like him.
"Looks like you had fun." Lady Brunnhilde's voice reached his ears.
"That I did, how early is it here?"
"Around 10am. Thor's already out and about doing work. Go and sleep… while you can." She said ominously.
"Don't have to tell me twice!" Loki yipped walking into the new house, straight to his and Thor's room, dragging the heavy bag of candy and mementos with him. Why didn't he just put that in his dimension… He should have thought of that earlier.
Didn't matter now, he was home and his bed was right in front of him. He would deal with Thor after he slept.
He fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.
Thor walked back into the house around 4pm from a good day of work. Seeing Valkyrie as calm as ever watching TV on the couch.
"He's home now?" Thor asked.
"He's been home for hours now, kid looked pooped though, so I let him sleep."
"And didn't tell me." Thor said with arms crossed in front of his chest.
"Yep. He wouldn't sleep with you yelling at him now would he."
"Ha. Ha." Thor started for the door of their room, but didn't get far with Valkyrie hand gripping his wrist.
"You're going to let him sleep, he looked fine and seemed very happy. He's okay."
Thor looked to the closed door and back at Valkyrie.
"I'm sure. Let him sleep."
He sighed but relented. He could talk to Loki when he wakes. If Valkyrie said he was fine, then Loki was fine.
Thor didn't think he would sleep throughout the whole day, but eventually night time did come, and Valkyrie had gone off to bed.
Thor huffed as he got up and carefully opened the bedroom door. He looked into the darkness and noticed the small form sleeping on the left side of the bed.
He smiled a bit at his little brother.
He walked closer, and sat on his side of the bed. Already in comfortable clothes for bed, he carefully slid under the covers. But Loki being Loki he woke up.
Moving out of his fetal position he looked into the darkness. Thor could swear his green eyes were luminescent somehow.
"Hello little brother." Thor spoke quietly.
"Hi Thor… am I in trouble?" Loki asked, sounding half asleep.
"Depends. Tell me how your Halloween was little one."
Loki smiled, clearly happy with the night. "Shuri told me her costume idea and gave me a good idea. I used my magic and made an amazing costume."
"Not a costume if you're shapeshifting little brother."
"True, but the Midgardians couldn't tell the difference, they thought I had a 'killer costume' and loved it." Loki laughed a bit, Thor huffed one too.
"Then Shuri took me to this huge park where the rides go so fast you can't even see them sometimes! We rode almost everything three times over, then she showed me what sweets Midgardians make. I brought you some of my favorites so me, you and Lady Valkyrie could share it together. Then we joined a costume contest, and I won! Then everyone just started dancing to music so me and Shuri did too. Then the park closed so we went 'trick-or-treating' all over."
"What is that little one?"
"Its when your in costume and you knock on peoples doors and they give you candy!"
"They just give it to you?"
Loki nodded. "Yep, I know not why. But Shuri said they only do it this night and no other. Well except for someplace in Oregon who loves Halloween so much they celebrate it twice. They celebrate it in the summer calling it 'Summerween'."
"Then what did you two do?"
"It was pretty late and I didn't want I didn't want to risk my magic messing up so I took her home and came back. It was night time still there but when I teleported here, it was late morning."
Loki looked away from Thor. "I didn't mean to leave without your permission, Brother."
"Yes you did."
"Okay yes. I did. But I'm still sorry for leaving." Loki tried again.
Thor looked down at the boy. Loki only went to have fun. No harm no foul. "If you show me your 'costume' tomorrow, you won't be in trouble. And share those sweets you talk of."
Loki smiled as he scooted closer to Thor hugging him. "Deal."
And just like that he was asleep again, Thor following soon after.
BBC News
Aired: December 10 2018
Asgard is buzzing with preparations of its first celebration. Other countries and nations are eagerly waiting for the 17th. A large hall was built last month for the celebration and feast purpose. Men, women and children alike have been preparing for weeks but this week has been the busiest of them all.
"We are very excited to be having our first real celebration since coming here. As well as having a naming day for our prince. It will be his first that he remembers so everyone is doing extra to make it as traditional as possible, while still welcoming each country's people."
As busy as New Asgard has been other nations have been preparing to make the trip to New Asgard for the memorable occasion.
We still have no word on who will be there and if cameras will be allowed. Since it is the Prince's first birthday on earth, it will be up to New Asgard if they are welcoming of the press or not.
"Did you hear of the big party happening in New Asgard?" Pepper Potts asked, hands resting on her pregnant belly. She sat on the lakeside cabin's back patio resting in a patio chair with soft pillows under her.
Her husband walked out from the cabin holding two glasses in his hands.
"You think I haven't Pepper?"
"You've been following the news too then."
Tony sighed, handing Pepper a lemonade. He sat down next to her in the other chair. "Yea. I have been."
Pepper smiled, looking out to the lake in front of them. "He's been doing good, hasn't he."
"Yea. The kid's been doing great things for New Asgard."
She turned her head and looked at him. "If they are welcoming anyone, maybe now would be the time to apologize to him."
He looked unconfident.
"You've been out before. People don't mock you or talk to you like you thought they would. We should both go, especially if it's a celebration of his birthday."
"Pep…"
"You said you would at some point Tony. This baby is coming soon, and once we have it, we won't be able to leave this house caring for a newborn."
She made valid points…
"Alright Pep. I'll- I'll get us there for this celebration." Tony said with a slight smile to his wife.