Note - This is the final chapter of Mischief Makers.
Chapter Fifty-Two - To End is to Begin Again
Loki waited until Cami slept to leave the bed. He dressed again before returning to the dining room where he caught Clint and Natasha brewing some passions of their own. He apologized for the interruption, scolded them for not calling someone to relieve them of guard duty then escaped to the nursery with the recorder and a lantern.
He sauntered through the large space full of things and memories, but also so empty. He set the lantern on a bedside table, easing into the rocking chair to manipulate the handheld device and gather his thoughts. There was so much he wanted Edie to know, but understood the importance of using choice words and simplistic sentiments with a child.
After several minutes of consideration, Loki started the device.
"Edie, this is your father. I'm recording this because we'll never get to meet." His voice sounded smooth and clear despite a sudden tightness in his core. He realized that he'd have to keep this message short or risk breaking down during. "I'm sure you'll hear lots of stories about me, and most of them are probably true. The one thing I need you to believe more than anything else people might say, is that I love you very much and would be there with you and your mother right now if I could."
Loki paused the recording as fresh tears filled his eyes. He wiped at them then startled when he noticed that Clint and Natasha had wandered in.
"Sorry," Clint muttered.
"We'll go out," Natasha said, "so you can finish."
"No." Loki stood, handing the device to her. "I think I covered the most important points. Please make sure Edie gets a copy of the message."
"Thor is here," Clint told him. "We're gonna go."
He followed them to the sitting room where his sorrowful brother waited. "Don't say anything," Loki requested as soon as he and Thor were alone.
"How can I not? You were starting over, making a new life for yourself with Cami. You don't deserve this."
"But I do," Loki insisted. "I created him. His power and influence over me grew because I fed him every scrap of my pain and anger. I used him like a suit of armor to distance myself from others, wielding lies and trickery as my most effective weapons."
Thor accepted these words. "Everyone has a dark side they fight to control."
"Not like this."
"You still stood up to him, and I hope that he will never again have such a hold over you."
Loki looked away, feeling weary of the emotions and regrets that consumed his strength and time. Now there wasn't enough left to do everything he wanted. He requested, "Will you walk with me?"
"Of course."
The brothers strolled out of the palace with a trio of guards following behind at a respectful distance. Loki admired the vibrant pink and gold colors of the sunrise as they skirted the gardens and entered the stables.
Loki climbed the gate to perch atop the wall of Sleipnir's stall. The horse moved forward, showing his affection with a nuzzle. "I have to leave," Loki told him. "You're to have a new sister named Edie. Protect her and Cami. Watch over your brothers and keep Hel company when you can." He thought he could see sadness in the large, black eyes as the horse nodded.
Thor stood at the gate. "I'll look out for all of them," he promised, shrewd enough to not go into any of the specifics of Loki's estranged children.
Loki jumped down. "I appreciate that," he told Thor, giving a farewell pat and kiss on Sleipnir's nose.
Cami was up and dressed when they returned to the suite. They picked at their breakfast, saying very little. Then Loki washed up and changed into a S.H.I.E.L.D. uniform before they met up with the others in the throne room.
The group was larger than he expected, but still relatively small. Thor, Odin and Frigga were present, of course. The Warriors Three stood off to one side with Mike, Gary, Dan and Dr. Lloyd. Nick, Maria, Steve, Tony and Bruce collected around Clint and Natasha, quietly engaged in some debate. Jorn and Mahlora noticed them and drew near to offer their sympathies.
When Rosner and his daughters arrived, Mitzi and Diani chose to remain near the entry while their father moved to the king and queen. The twins waved Loki over when they met his gaze. They failed to hide their heartbreak from him.
"I'm so sorry, my dears," he said, gathering them into an embrace. "I'd hoped to have more time together."
The girls unsheathed and held up their specter blades. "The law requires a quick, clean execution," Diani explained. "Jahla does not believe a common weapon will suffice in killing the double."
Though more skilled with daggers, Loki took Mitzi's longsword. It seemed the better choice to inflict optimal damage.
A sudden chill swept over them as Farbauti, Ashaunti and their attendants stepped through the doorway with Sif. Loki thought Queen Farbauti looked stoic and quite formidable in her lush furs and sleek, black leather. She acknowledged him with a subtle bow of her head, which he returned. He didn't hate her, but couldn't bring himself to speak with her again. This was a day to end relationships, not build or try to fix them.
"It is time," Rosner reported and the guards opened the double doors out to where the five judges and Vali sat upon tall, ornate chairs. A massive crowd surrounded the platform, packed into the palace grounds as far as the eye could see.
Frigga swooped in for a final hug, her eyes red and swollen. She held Loki so tight that his flesh bruised and frame ached.
Odin's hand gripped Loki's shoulder, his features tense with purpose. The All-Father opened his mouth to speak, perhaps to offer a last bit of advice or comfort, but then his jaw trembled, shattering the illusion of his control and no words came.
Loki gave him an understanding nod. He pulled out of Frigga's arms and turned to where the Avengers and Mischief Makers stood in two long lines that formed a corridor to the doorway. All eyes were on him as Loki moved forward. He passed between Fury and Hill, pausing when he felt the brush of their fingertips against his hands. He looked down, realizing that every person held out a hand into his path. With a bolstering intake of breath, Loki continued down the line, grazing each hand and feeling thankful for the supportive touches and silent farewells.
Cami stood at the end of the line next to Clint. Her hand grasped for Loki's as he came near. She pushed up on her tiptoes, gifting him with a warm kiss. A tear trail on her cheek wiped off on his face, and Loki chose to leave it as Cami backed away to allow him to pass.
The massive crowd erupted with surprise and outrage as Loki stepped into view, carrying the longsword. He took his spot center stage, turning to bow respectfully to the shocked judges and Vali, who apparently hadn't been informed of Loki's role as executioner.
"Silence!" Ogalfus cried out, his voice amplified to carry out to all. He banged a thick scepter of gold, calling for order, but the ruckus grew to even more deafening levels as the guards escorted the shackled and smiling double onto the platform.
Bad Loki appeared almost giddy with anticipation. "Oh, this is perfect," he called out to Loki. "What a tragic spectacle for the unruly throng."
Loki drew closer. "Enjoy the attention while you can."
Odin crossed to the front of the platform, raising his arms to quiet the crowd, which took mere moments for someone of his authority. He spoke in a stern, commanding voice. "It is the decree of the court that the criminal be executed. Asgard will abide by this decision." His point made, a hush fell over them and Odin returned to stand with Frigga and Thor.
High Advisor Ogalfus rose from his chair to address the masses. He was such a puny presence in comparison to Odin. "The prisoner is guilty of unforgivable crimes against the realms, including coercion, kidnapping and attempted genocide. The penalty for his crimes is death. At this time, the condemned is allowed a final statement."
The double shrugged off the guards and turned to the glaring public. He spoke with biting contempt. "I was once the King of Asgard. I've since realized that a throne is a cleverly disguised prison. I refuse to be enslaved to the service or protection of you mindless, pathetic and ungrateful cattle. To have caused the realms such rampant fear, hatred and chaos, I'm utterly euphoric."
He stood tall and unshakable, his piercing eyes scanning the shocked and raging crowd before shifting to the Avengers and Mischief Makers crowded off to the side of the platform. He flashed them a mocking grin before settling his attention back on Loki. "Ready to die, hero?"
Retaking his chair, Ogalfus signaled the drummers who began their roll.
There was no fear or doubt in Loki as he counted down the tensing moments. He held his breath and gripped the specter blade as he stared into Bad Loki's callous eyes.
At fifteen seconds, silence fell.
Loki lunged, thrusting the longsword through the double's chest.
Bad Loki collapsed into the guards' arms. The magic which held him together dissolved and his features began to melt, sliding off his skull in bloody globs that drew screams from the crowd.
Loki's own legs buckled. It was the oddest thing, one moment he was upright, then flat on his back the next. It took effort to recognize the flushed and overwhelmed faces that collected around him as his vision narrowed and blurred. He could see Cami rest her cheek against his upper chest, but he felt detached from his own skin. There was no sensation aside from an invading cold that froze up his lungs, making him gasp for breath.
He dared to meet Cami's drowning orbs of blue-green. He reached for her, yet slowed at the sight of his pale skin changing to blue. He was weakening fast and couldn't recall how to warm his touch for her, so he let his hand drop.
Someone called his name, but he drifted and couldn't answer. A bright light engulfed his vision. The brilliance numbed his consciousness as it wrapped him up and lifted his spirit free.
It felt like no discernible time had passed, yet the light had carried Loki the great distance to Niflheim and into Hel's Hall of Justice. Loki surveyed the large, bare room, infested with shadow serpents that lazed around him. Hel sat stiff and stately upon her throne. Bad Loki's spirit stood at her side. A faint line of soul essence extended out from his chest to Loki's.
"Father," Hel acknowledged him, her tone and manner cold.
Still numb and trying to retain memories through the haze of his mind, Loki staggered toward them.
Bad Loki stepped away at his approach, sauntering around the back of the throne. "Do it now, Hel."
Loki puzzled. "Do what?"
"In preparation for my death, Hel and I made adjustments to the contract," Bad Loki said. "She's going to separate us and send me back. I'll escape in the body. Then, after biding my time, I'll collect Jahla and the baby for the completion of the ritual I promised."
Even with the realm's influence muting his emotions, terror sparked in him. "Tell me this isn't true?" Loki begged, falling to his knees at Hel's feet. He reached out to touch her hand, but his own passed right through her flesh and the arm of the golden throne. "Hel, please?" he continued, when she would not look at him.
"You have no sway over her," Bad Loki said, his tone becoming more critical. "For centuries you've been too self-absorbed to be of use to any of your children. She finally gets to judge your misdeeds."
Loki kept his attention on his daughter. "You cannot send him back. He is a monster and will continue to hurt people."
Hel asked, her voice hollow, "Why should I care about people?"
"You have judged countless lives during your reign as queen. You've told me several of their stories, praising the capacity for bravery and kindness in beings of many races." Again Loki tried to touch her, but she would not allow it. "Do not let him speak for you. He is equally guilty of my crimes."
Bad Loki laughed, strolling closer. "Stop whining and accept your fate."
Hel's gaze lifted from her lap. "I've already made my decision on this matter, and now you are powerless to resist me." She stood, gathering the chilling mists and paralyzing him with a subtle wave of her hand.
Loki resolved that he would not beg for her forgiveness or mercy. He deserved his fate.
An unexpected growl from Bad Loki indicated she'd done the same to him. "What are you doing?" he demanded.
"I'm breaking the contract."
He seethed. "You betray me? After all I've done for you?!"
She caressed the thin ribbon connecting them. "I've decided to make you whole again."
The mists enveloped them, dragging the halves together. Loki's soul merged in an explosion of ideas, recollections and emotions. Roughly two years of divergent experiences smashed together into a fractured consciousness. His imbalanced psyche couldn't reconcile the onslaught of vivid and exhaustive data. Loki convulsed in the mist's grip, screaming under the terrible strain from which there was no escape.
Hel's voice cut through the madness. "Someday I will judge you, Father. Until then, you will wait your turn like every soul in my kingdom."
Cami sat at the study table in her robe and pajamas, staring blindly at the wide variety of flower arrangements set out before her, taking up nearly every inch of the surface. Flowers and various gifts from across the realms packed the sitting and dining rooms. The majority were offered as condolences. A few were early presents for the baby.
He's only been gone five days, Cami thought. She'd cried, slept or vomited through most of them. How was she going to endure this anguish?
"Frigga sent another potion for you," Natasha said, setting the bottle on the table.
Cami said, her voice devoid of real emotion, "That was nice of her."
Natasha stroked the back of Cami's head and kneaded her neck and shoulders. "Are you hungry?"
"No." The thought of eating made her queasy.
"We can go out," she suggested, "take a walk through the gardens, maybe trash a few training dummies."
"Not right now."
Cami guessed that Clint wasn't alone when he chose to clear his throat upon entering the bedroom. She turned to see Nick Fury standing with him. "You never give up," she said with a tired, almost wounded sigh.
"It's one of my more irksome qualities," the director agreed. "I had to try one more time before I left."
"Well, since you're blocking my exit..."
Clint frowned at her disrespectful tone.
Nick wasn't fazed. "The events of the last months haven't been fair to you, and I'm sorry for the part I've played in that."
When only snide remarks came to mind, Cami chose to remain silent.
Nick continued, "I wanted you to know, that I recommended to Secretary Pierce that Loki be added to S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Wall of Remembrance under his alias, Thomas Murphy. He's very receptive to the idea. Also, Loki's service record will state that he died honorably in the defense of the people of Earth."
A lump formed in her throat, leaving Cami speechless.
Natasha did respond. "That's really great, Nick. I think Loki would be pleased."
His focus still on Cami, Fury attempted to be reassuring when he said, "This situation won't be forever."
Cami muttered, "Loki's dead forever."
He nodded, his head lowering. "I meant that some day you'll probably be able to come home. Rosner has a lead on a teacher for you, another adaptive mage that can show you the ropes. Hopefully with enough hard work, you'll be able to control your power."
Nick's last phrase served as a reminder to Cami that S.H.I.E.L.D. considered her a liability and underachiever.
"Is that all?"
"Our personnel helped with the distribution of the recovered relics to the realms, and somewhere in all that mess Loki's scepter disappeared from Odin's vault. I need to borrow Clint and Natasha for an extensive follow up."
Cami pondered the bad news while her eyes shifted to her brother.
Clint admitted, "I turned down Odin's offer to run the new task force. Nat and I are going back to Earth."
"Oh." She felt an instant spark and prickle in the center of her chest as her face flooded with heat.
Natasha leaned down to wrap Cami in her arms. "It's okay. We're going to visit as much as we can; and Odin promises we can pass messages and stuff through the bifrost. Nick is also making arrangements for the Murphys to come spend some time with you here."
Clint hurried to add, "Kotter and Hopper have accepted positions on the task force. You'll get to see them all the time; and Mike's totally willing to be your dance partner whenever the mood strikes ya."
He looked so calm, like leaving wasn't that big of a deal. Clint was used to living from mission to mission. Cami invested herself more deeply than that and couldn't switch gears so quickly and move on. That was one major difference between them.
Natasha sensed the further decline of her mood. "We all miss him. Don't think that we don't."
"I know. It's just—I think I really loved him."
They let her fight through the rush of emotions, waiting for her to collect herself again.
Cami had never seen Fury look so sentimental as he said, "I wish you the best, Cami. You were one of the spunkiest recruits we've had in awhile."
She forced a small grin, still wiping at insistent tears. "You're not going to forget about me?"
"Not a chance. Thanks to Loki and yourself, Earth is now an active part of a much larger community." His features grew more serious, yet his tone seemed to joke. "All our jobs just got exceptionally harder."
Author's Note- This is the final chapter of Mischief Makers.
Loki and Cami will be reunited in Mischief Makers 2 - Soul Eater.