Chapter Fourteen: Reunion
Lightning struck across the sky, and thunder tumbled after several prolonged moments. Loki stiffened considerably. He knew his brother would be furious. This was worse than all his pranks at home combined.
Thump.
Everyone was jostled. He knew his brother was here and was coming for him. The mortals didn't intimidate him nor did Freyja (he knew she wouldn't truly hurt him), but the thunder god held no compunctions for consequential violence. He probably blamed the trickster for the goddess's disappearance a year ago. He wasn't entirely wrong, but she was plenty capable of getting what she wanted. He admired that about her.
Suddenly, Thor appeared in the hanger bay, and Loki felt like a deer in headlights. His older brother easily struck the man in armor back towards the front of the ship. Without skipping a beat, he grabbed Loki and yanked him out of his restraints and took off into the sky.
Immediately, he was slammed against the rock below them. It knocked the breath right out of him, and he groaned loudly.
"Where's Freyja?"
Loki laughed dryly. "I missed you too."
"Where's Freyja and the tesseract?" he demanded again.
Loki groaned as he stood up, nursing his back with one hand. If ever there was one truth he was sure of, his brother's strength never failed. And of course, his first question is about Freyja. It seemed popular to love her these days. He couldn't help the frustration that his damned brother couldn't let him try to have her for himself. The mischief god would bet his finest horse that Thor only cared for Freyja because she's gorgeous now. Loki, on the other hand, cared before the physical transformation. She should be his.
"You know her, she prefers to be far from you," he goaded, just to get under his brother's skin. "Did you really have the Allfather conjure you here all for her? I'm hurt."
Thor turned him around and slammed him against the wall. The anger was palpable, but he could also see relief in his brother's golden face. It almost made him sick.
"I thought you dead," he said, cupping the side of his neck with that giant hand of his and looking at him with pain in those blue eyes of his.
Loki sneered and mocked, "Did you mourn?"
"We all did. Our father—"
"Your father," Loki corrected sharply. "He did tell you my true parentage, did he not?"
He broke free from his brother's grip and walked away from him uncaringly as he held his now sore back. His thoughts were far away and elsewhere.
"We grew up together. We played together. We fought together. Do you remember none of that?"
Loki spun around. Hate, bitterness, and, much to his dislike, jealousy were in him.
"I remember a shadow, living in the shade of your greatness. I remember you trying to steal my bride and causing myself and Freyja to be stranded," he said. "I, who was, and should be king."
He almost had it all. He was king of Asgard. He killed Laufey. He almost married his childhood best friend from childhood. He was so close to being Asgard's hero and beloved king with a beautiful, wonderful wife. But, Thor has to come around and botch the wedding and his plan.
"So, you take this world in attempts of petty vengeance to force Freyja to be your queen," he said, walking back into his presence. "No, she is under my protection."
Loki chuckled sadistically. His brother couldn't be serious. She hates him, or at the very least, she didn't care about him in the slightest. He hated his brother, that was for sure. One particular grievance was Freyja. He tormented her and Loki when they were children because he could. Now, the thunder god wanted her for himself when he was the one who was there from the beginning and understood her. He deserved her, not his boarish older brother. He'd want her regardless of her looks, for that he was sure as well.
"Ha! She'd rather die than accept your help," Loki mocked.
"You listen well, brother, I— ugh!"
The man in armor body slammed his brother and he couldn't help but say, "I'm listening."
He watched as his brother was knocked to the forest floor with satisfaction. He took a seat, wishing to watch the show. He's heard of this Iron Man from the files Barton had access to. He reminded him of Thor except Stark was far less grandiose and blood thirsty. This shall be amusing.
"What are you doing here?" Stark asked.
"I'm looking for a maiden," he explained.
"Aren't we all?" the metal man said with derision in that voice.
"I've already met her, mortal. She has red hair like fire, a sharp tongue, and dresses in black and blue," he explained, patience clearly running thin.
"Sounds like Freyja," he chuckled.
"You know of her," he said.
Who didn't know Freyja at this point? She never failed to attract people's attention, it seemed. Despite how sardonic and uninterested she was in it, they just kept coming. It seemed the less someone tried the more admiration and attention someone got. Loki remembered when she was a meek, ugly, unassertive child. No one paid attention. He took her blueprint, and now he was on his way of becoming king here, noticed, admired, loved.
"Yeah, I met her. I almost feel badly for you. That witch has got a mouth on her," he smirked. "You know what, I take that back. She might be fun to party with. Now, get lost, tourist, and go find your girl. When we find the tesseract, you can have Loki back."
The metal man turned on his heel and looked to head out. He watched the anger burn in his older brother. Without hesitation, he threw his hammer and flattened the mortal into a tree. Loki chuckled softly to himself. If ever there was a way to manipulate Thor, it was through his anger.
He recalled his hammer and looked him in the eyes. Loki simply gave him a smirk. He wasn't going anywhere.
The distraction left Thor open to be blasted back. He watched his brother shake it off like it was nothing and raise Mjölnir to the sky. That called upon lightning through the thick, grey clouds. It came to the hammer, Thor pointed it at the metal man, and it struck him directly. If not for his armor, he would've died and probably would've been a grease spot on the forest floor. No, it seemed he just glowed and had an abundance of power.
Immediately, the man of iron flew from the ground and took his brother through several trees and smashing him against the side of the mountain. It didn't do anything, of course, if anything it just further enraged his hard headed brother.
Thor ended up body slamming the mortal against the forest floor. They both stood. He bravely went to strike his brother, but of course the witless oaf grasped his hand. The mortal tried again with his other hand, and the result was the same. Loki smiled with amusement when his brother squeezed the metal man's wrist and squeezed. The metal bent and squealed under the strength. He tried to be the harder head of the hardest headed god in Asgard by head butting him. It didn't work, of course. Thor simply head butted him back, sending him across the forest floor.
"Enough!"
The soldier threw his shield at the two fighting below him. It bounced off them to get their attention before returning to his hand.
"Now, I don't know what you're doing here," he said.
"I've come here to put an end to Loki's schemes and find Freyja!" Thor answered angrily.
"Alright, then, put that hammer down."
Loki smirked, knowing exactly what that outcome would be. He watched the anger rise and blow up once more.
"No, bad call, he loves his hamm—" the man in armor said before Thor smashed that hammer into him, knocking him away.
Thor growled, "You want me to put the hammer down?!"
He leapt into the air with Mjölnir raised and ready to strike. When the hammer and shield clashed, it sent a shock throughout the forest. He raised his eyebrows in impressiveness. It seemed the vibranium metal wasn't something to sneeze at like what Barton said.
They stood. Tempers had cooled. The testosterone quit flaring up as they exchanged looks with one another.
"Are we cool?" the soldier asked.
Thor and Stark nodded.
…
She smiled at the people encouragingly as they were being attended to by professionals before she left. She could vaguely understand why her presence might bring some comfort. Lately, she's been all over the media for her 'heroics', and she did just stand up against Loki. She resisted the title hero for the main reason that she didn't stand up to villains altruistically. She faced them because they targeted her specifically, and she felt the need to defend herself. She didn't do it to protect people that just happened to be a benefit.
She came around, standing at the top of the stairs. She gasped when she noticed none other than two familiar faces of Thor and Havi down there. She hasn't seen them since that world wind adventure last year. Relief and happiness swelled inside her. She missed him so much. She hadn't been around him that much before they separated, but she couldn't help it. She loved easily. It was a flaw. She fought it constantly for fear of getting hurt. Her past experiences have proved that. But she knew him to be trustworthy.
She ran down the stairs, seeing the joy on Thor's face. She ran through and between them to immediately get to Havi, her adorable pet who's grown, and brought him into a tight, much awaited hug. She heard her baby crying and clinging to her as best he could as she tried not to cry herself. There was nothing more pure than the love an animal gave.
"I missed you so much," she said softly.
She eventually righted herself, picking up her larger pet and held him in her arms much to the creature's absolute joy. She stood and looked at Thor. She saw how baffled the prince was. It seemed she hurt his feelings. He was hoping she'd choose him as her 'most missed'. She would normally feel badly for the other person but considering their history, she didn't feel that badly. Besides, how could he compete with Havi? It's Havi.
She cleared her throat and fought through the awkwardness, unable to look him in the eyes, "It's… good to see you, Thor. I might even—"
Her words were cut short when he wrapped his arms around her and brought her into a hug. A gasp left her much to her chagrin. He was just as tall, imposing, and muscular as she remembered him being. She felt as if she was being swallowed whole by his embrace. They've never touched intimately sans the times he's had to carry her like she was a bride due to injury. This time, she could feel the emotion and longing through this embrace.
"I've missed you," his deep voice rumbled and muffled on the top of her head.
He cradled her head as if she were precious. It was odd, and she could feel Havi begin to squirm in her arms at the lack of space for him. She was considering joining her pet in that sentiment given she was becoming overwhelmed by his presence. This amount of emotion and intimacy was unwarranted. They weren't lovers, and she hesitated to call him a friend. He then kissed the top of her head. And, that was where she drew her line.
"Alright," she said, pulling herself away enough to breathe properly again. "Enough hugging."
She went to walk on, but he grasped her free hand that wasn't holding Havi. She frowned in question as to what his intention was. Her eyes glanced up into his fond blue ones apprehensively.
"I wish to apologize before we leave," he said. She could hear the sincerity and pain in his voice which was unsettling. "I truly am sorry for the pain that I've caused you, Freyja. I will never hurt you ever again so long as there is life in my chest." He then brought her hand up to kiss her knuckles gently, still looking her in the eyes.
Havi made a disgruntled sound, picking up on her growing anxiety. He started purring comfortingly which she appreciated. She never pictured her old tormentor apologizing and sounding genuinely sorry. He briefly had on that bridge, but the sincerity then wasn't compared to now. It was bizarre. It was breaking through her normally flippant and detached attitude. It was the attitude that protected her from being a blubbering and pathetic mess. She needed her trademark cynicism. After all, he's only sorry now because she's pretty, and he wanted to sleep with her. She doubted he'd be sorry if she was still hideous or at least not as sorry. Still, the apology was something. It was as if it was a final step to her being able to fully let it go and begin to forgive. It may not be for selfless reasons, but she could see in his eyes that he's genuinely sorry.
She took a deep breath, took her hand back, and quickly said, "I accept your apology. Now, let's go."
She didn't give him any further warning before she teleported them to the flying ship that carried Loki. She didn't look at him, choosing to stare ahead with her animals in her arms. She managed to catch eyes with Loki briefly when he was walking down the hall, surrounded by many guards. His eyes were playful yet malicious. She supposed that he'd always had that within him. He could be more himself now. She understood that. Whenever she was on Asgard, she had to hold herself back in order to remain in good graces and stay alive. They were a warrior society that didn't reward things like magic, dark humor, nor cleverness. She was done with that.
When he was out of sight, she blinked rapidly and took a seat at the table. Her arms were still crossed as she put one of her feet against the edge of the table. Havi sat by her chair, purring contently. She could feel the misery and apathy swirling together and appearing on her face, reflecting how she felt on the inside. No matter where she went, she couldn't escape the Æsir princes. They were like kudzu: invasive and a pest in most cases these days.
"I would ask what that animal is but…," Steve began.
"It doesn't matter," she said casually, giving him a small smile of acknowledgement.
He was the only one of the group she kind of liked so far. He was polite, composed, sensitive, similar to Baldur. He wasn't disrespectful or closed off. She was neutral on everyone else except Tony and Thor whomst she didn't care for. Go figure. They possessed similarities – the ones she didn't particularly care for, specifically arrogance and elitism.
The surveillance footage appeared on the glass table. She watched as Loki was put in his circular, glass cell. He didn't seem bothered one bit as if he was right where he wished to be. He always had a plan up his sleeve. It was one of his best attributes.
"You see this," Fury began, touching the keypad and the platform underneath his cell opened. Air rushed through. "30,000 feet below. You so much as touch that glass that's where you go. You get how that works: ant, boot."
The platform shut once more, and Loki simply chuckled.
"It's an impressive cage," he acknowledged. "Not built for me though."
"No, it was built for something a lot stronger than you," he said.
"Oh, I've heard. That beast pretends he's still a man. How truly desperate are you? You call upon such selfish, lost creatures to defend you."
She felt as if she was being called out specifically. He knew her. He knew what her actions were on Asgard and Earth. She wouldn't like to call herself selfish. She would like to call herself looking out for her well being. She didn't like being trapped, told what to do, or used as a status symbol or brood mare. That alliance is unfair given how she was treated as both an outsider and as an ugly girl. If that was selfish then she didn't want to be selfless.
"How desperate am I? You threaten us with war, you stole a power you can't control, and you kill because you like it. You've made me very desperate, and you won't like that you did."
"Ooh," Loki feigned intimidation poorly on purpose. "It burns you to come so close to conquest, but then I remind you what real conquest is."
It felt as if he was looking at her through the camera as he stared straight at it. Those words got under her skin. She knew what he was trying to do in his effective attempts at intimidation. After all, it was the perfect punishment for last year wasn't it? He would have her as his which is what he wanted, and she would be forced in the role she desperately didn't wish to be in. He benefited completely if he got his wish.
"Bring me Freyja," he said.
She had to look away, blinking rapidly, uncomfortably. She exhaled through her nose, not meeting anyone's eyes. The shame and embarrassment weren't lost on her. She wished she didn't feel responsible for his actions. But he chose Earth because she's on it. She's a part of the problem whether or not she's involved directly or not. And, she wished she didn't have the desire to make things right and try to patch up their friendship, but she did. She felt guilty for him being stranded out in space and falling into a bad crowd.
Fury came in with his trench coat billowing behind him rapidly. He immediately pointed at her, and his single eye met hers without trouble.
"You are not to be in contact with him," he said.
"Last I checked, I'm not on your payroll, so piss off," she said simply, raising an eyebrow unintimidated by his gravitas.
"Prickly as ever," Thor commented.
"Who are you by the way?" Fury asked irritably. "Is he a friend of yours Freyja?"
"Friend's a bit of a strong word," she said sardonically.
"Hey," Thor said simply, clearly offended, but she just smirked. He then addressed Fury, looking at him. "I'm Thor Odinson."
"Another god," he sighed irritably.
He then left, clearly needing to be somewhere. She looked back towards the others who looked ready to discuss this.
"Lovely boyfriend you have," Bruce said.
"He's not my boyfriend," she said a little snippy, giving the man a look for that.
"He is obsessed with you though," Steve acknowledged.
"Nothing new," she sighed, disinterested. "We've been friends for— has it been almost 600 years?" she looked to Thor for confirmation. "Have I known you two that long?"
He looked as if he was counting as well in his head. She wasn't the only one having trouble keeping up with the years. They just seemed to blend all together especially these days.
"It doesn't matter," Steve said, clearly fighting through his incredulity. "What can you two tell me about his plans?"
She pointed to Thor casually. Her face remained passive nonetheless.
"He has an army called the Chitauri," he informed. "They're unknown to many worlds and will win him the Earth. The tesseract will bring them here."
"So he has an army from outer space," Steve said disbelievingly. "Well, that scepter of his works an awful lot like a hydra weapon."
"I don't think we should focus on Loki," Bruce said. "That guy's brain is like a bag full of cats. You can smell crazy on him."
Freyja laughed softly, wryly. The others looked at her as if they weren't amused by her display of humor. They just didn't know him like she did. Thor would be the only other one who understood it as well as she did.
"Have care how you speak," Thor told Bruce, not finding the humor in it. "Loki may be beyond reason, but he's of Asgard, and he's my brother."
Without missing a beat, Natasha said drily, "He killed eighty people in two days."
"He's adopted," Thor lamented.
Freyja shook her head as she held Havi in her arms comfortingly. It wasn't a surprise that he was adopted. Loki was very different from his family. In fact, he looked nothing like his brothers, father, nor his mother (well, his mother closer than the others). His personality and skills were wildly different from the royal family. Though, Frigg was a talented witch in her own right. She didn't say anything when she was younger because of fear, but she had her suspicions that Loki was either a half sibling on his mom's side or adopted all together. Either one would explain the friction between him and Odin.
She spoke up, "We should focus on finding the cube and how he plans on opening the portal."
"Wait, you have experience in opening portals," Steve pointed out.
"Yeah, so?" she said simply.
Everyone in the group looked at her incredulously, expectantly. Oh, yes, they seemed to not understand magic vs. science. She kept forgetting Midgard's magic is essentially underground or not believed whatsoever. For so many years, she was surrounded by magic wielders who understood what she was talking about immediately. She had to tailor her words so that unknowledgeables understood.
"Oh, you all seem confused," she said. "Yes, the item is magical by nature, but unless you have someone with real talent to open that big of a portal into the sky to bring an army in, it's not going to work. It's more likely he'll try it scientifically. It's why he kidnapped Selvig, right?"
"Can you open that big of a portal?" Natasha asked straightforwardly.
She considered it for a moment.
"Doubtful," she answered truthfully.
"Fury is right," Steve said. "You should stay away from him. He may put you under the same spell Selvig and Barton are under to do his bidding."
"I agree," Thor said.
She rolled her eyes, unimpressed. That did sound like something Loki would do out of spite if she pushed his buttons hard enough. He was petty, and she kind of understood. However, she didn't appreciate being told what to do.
"I don't remember you two being my boss."
"Great girl you found," Tony Stark said sarcastically, stepping into the room as if he owned it. He walked up next to Thor who was standing. He batted at Thor's bicep casually. "No hard feelings, point break, she's still pretty."
That earned the middle finger from Freyja but not a look or a change in expression. He didn't deserve it. She was growing displeased that she met his Stark at every growing minute. He wished to provoke and be an asshole, and she would let him know he's being just that but not let any visible change in her expression or tone. He didn't deserve her anger. It was what he wanted after all.
Tony chuckled.
She then crossed her arms over her chest again.
"He needs iridium. It's a stabilizing unit," he explained. "It was at that auction you attended." he pointed to her, and she refrained from rolling her eyes. "It means the portal won't collapse on itself like at SHIELD. That man is playing Galaga! Thought we wouldn't notice but we did."
One of the things she couldn't stand was ego fueled, self-aggrandizing man jabbering. Tony Stark exuded that. She hated arrogance and the assumption that everyone would kowtow to him without hesitation. She was here for a short time, but she rubbed elbows with some of the influential people, and she knew that money is power here and power is money. Though, perhaps that will change. Now, magic and superpowers were being introduced to the world. Maybe, it will change it up, not at its core of course. No matter what was in vogue assholes tend to hold power.
He continued to jabber and try to show everyone in the room that he was the 'most important' in the room. She found people who were secure and confident with themselves didn't need to say a word. Tony Stark was the opposite of that.
She didn't care for the rest of their conversation. She stood and Havi hopped off and followed behind her. She ran a hand through her red hair as she walked around casually. It seemed, though, she wouldn't get any alone time.
She turned as Thor's heavy footsteps stopped.
"Are you alright?" he asked. "Have the mortals treated you well?"
"I've made a friend," she said simply. "You may have met him since he's your older brother."
She saw his face pinch. Oh? That was quite a reaction. Hmm, has Heimdall been keeping tabs on her and informing his dear prince? It seemed so. Privacy violation wasn't a new feeling unfortunately. And, she could see why people would be jealous. Believe it or not, Baldur might be better looking than him. He was definitely a different kind of beauty: softer and less muscular. Not to mention he was also intelligent, sweet, and artistic: things Thor is not. Yes, she understood the jealousy. But, she doubted it was just Bladur being Baldur though….
"A 'friend' is what you call him," he said incredulously.
"Yes," she said simply. "He is a friend. He's so compassionate and thoughtful. I'm surprised you two are related. I didn't think the royal family was capable of being kind to people who weren't, well, Æsir. How… how is he?
He looked annoyed. She wasn't here to spare feelings. No longer did she have to censor herself for these princes.
"He's fine," Thor said tightly.
"Did he mention me?" she said, trying to keep the hope and vulnerability out of her voice and face.
"He mentioned you, yes," he said.
A small smile grew on her face. "Is he happy?" she asked.
Thor bristled. "I don't wish to talk about Baldur, Freyja."
She couldn't help but chuckle drily. He didn't find it funny, of course. He didn't understand how strange it was that her once tormentor, forced fiancé, and holier than thou prince was jealous. He literally had maidens throwing themselves at him back home. He could have them all for all he cared, yet he chose to chase her. It was ridiculous. She was this peasant who didn't have an ounce of royal blood who couldn't care less about his 'attributes' or him in general quite frankly. He couldn't get her to love him through his status, chivalry, or boarish behavior. It worked for the women at him simply because they wanted something from him. If someone could call it love that is. Maybe, he wanted something more, but he was looking for it from the wrong person.
"It's not funny, Freyja."
"Oh no, it's hilarious. I wonder if you've ever felt jealousy in your entire life. You're used to being the belle of the ball. Now, Baldur is there. I kind of get it. He is kind," she said, watching his face pinch. "He's very handsome. Maybe even better looking than you." A deep frown grew. "He treats everyone the same."
"Alright, enough," he said heatedly.
She laughed again much to his displeasure.
"By the way, you're the one who left me here for a year, and I'm not yours. I don't owe you anything."
"The bifrost was broken, and there was a theft in Asgard. And, I only managed to come here through the cosmic cube today," he said earnestly. "I've missed you the entire year we've been apart." His hand came up and touched her cheek gently as he tried to search her unwilling eyes.
She looked away and stepped out of his reach. Of course, she didn't return his sentiment. She had let go of her hatred for her own sanity after that debacle a year ago. He did apologize twice now. She did believe he was sorry, but he was sorry because he wanted her to be his lover not because he was altruistic and felt she deserved an apology without any ulterior wants or needs. He probably pitied her as well which disgusted her beyond believe. She didn't want or need pity. She just wanted to be around her family and go home once more. He may not have stranded her after all as punishment for trying to get back home, but she wouldn't let him act as she was his girlfriend. They may have been set to be in an arranged marriage, but that wasn't a thing anymore. She didn't trust his touch, and she assumed his actions were nefarious in general. She remembered his viciousness. That just didn't disappear. He would grow impatient and become mean to force her affections. He's a spoiled prince in a warrior society. He will try to conquer despite her wishes. She knew it.
"I know you don't like me, but perhaps one day you will," he said with a hopeful smile that would be charming and playful if she didn't know him and what he was capable of.
The thunder god simply didn't know how to accept defeat. His ego wouldn't allow it. Humility is an important trait to possess. If he wanted to die on this hill, so be it. But unless some serious changes occurred, it was a no from her.
"Let's just focus on Loki."