HA! I DID IT! I'm sick but I did it! I like this chapter a bit. It was fun to write (And panic to make sure what I wrote lined up with what I wrote previously.) I hope you enjoy it and leave comments! I eat those up and they get me motivated! If you want to have a say or wanna say your idea follow my instagram: lady_loki0516, I have polls there for the way the story can go. Love you guys! Thanks for sticking with me!
I would also like to shout out some people that have been following the book! From a while ago wanna say thanks to Unmasked Potential! Really hope your still reading! Thanks zaylo267! Like the morning drama? Not forgetting the Loki Rogers! Your comment on "when will you update?" really pushed to me get back into writing! Yas TonyDeservesLove. Yas. That's all the shoutouts for now! On with the story!
- Cluelessreader
Chapter 10
He wasn't going to lie. The trip was like nothing he had felt before. The bright colors and the speed which felt fast but slow at the same time. How? He had no idea. Was this how the bifrost felt? Did Thor's axe feel different than the original rainbow bridge? He had so many questions. The trip lasted… maybe 5 or 6 seconds. A quick pull of yourself then your somewhere else! It was kind of scary but also exhilarating!
Once they landed, it was a different sight then the night time sky forest area he was in. Where they had landed was grassy, on a hill that overlooked the ocean. The sky was bright, the sun somewhat in the sky. Shining the land in a light and warm glow. The smell of salt hung in the air and it was very welcoming. It almost smelled like home.
"It's been about 2 month since Asgardians made it here Loki. The people of earth welcomed us, even let us make a new home here." His brother said to him, a light smile on his face. "We've started building here. It isn't much yet, but I know with you home, we can make this Asgard."
Loki nodded, walking forward a bit he saw the little settlement. Being on this cliff overlooked what was to be a new Asgard. Hey, that sounded kind of nice… "Thor… do we have a name for our home?" Loki asked curiously. Thor shook his head.
"Sadly no. We know not what to call this place. It's Asgard but it isn't at the same time." Thor said a small hint of sadness in his voice.
"What about… New Asgard? Or Asgardia? I don't know… just some ideas Brother." Loki quickly turned away a little embarrassed about the suggestion at all. Thor quickly walked up to his brother putting a hand on his shoulder.
"Brother, they are marvelous ideas! You just came up with two, and you just saw it! I haven't been able to tell the mortals anything yet. We should tell the people and let them decide." Loki nodded in agreement easily. It did sound like a nice idea. He never thought his ideas would be listened to at all, let alone in the options for this Asgard. "I'll take you to our home, it isn't as grand as a palace, but it is a home nonetheless." Thor opened his hand and Loki took it, still looking over the cliff at the new home below.
"Who's this friend you want me to meet?" Loki asked, remembering a new friend that would like him, as Thor said anyway. Thor chuckled to himself.
"You will meet her shortly, but first… we should probably keep you out of sight of the people till I can announce your return. Considering how the biforst is as subtle as a gun, everyone surely knows I am back…" Thor muttered to himself. Hide him? Why hide him? The question not needing to be said was written on Loki's face. Thor easily saw it. "I know not how the people will react, some might still hold a grudge on you from your past. I think it best we meet this friend of mine and get some advice from her." He explained.
Loki still didn't like the answer but at least Thor had somewhat thought of a pl- "Wait! 'Her'!? Who is she!" Loki said excitedly, quickly forgetting the questionable thought he was just thinking. Thor laughed outright this time.
"Yes a 'her', you will meet in her in a moment brother, calm yourself. Use those silent and sneaky skills yes? The house is close but I would rather others not hear you yelling about." Thor said lightheartedly, but still being vigilant and looking for anyone. Loki composed himself but was still wondering about this person.
People had gathered near the edge of the town, village? Thor pushed Loki behind him, since he was so small, Loki vanished to people ahead of them. Hopefully no one had seen him, or the whole 'announce him properly' would be a bust. Did Thor think just pushing him behind himself would work? Loki rolled his eyes a bit and muttered a small spell. It was very easy for him to do and would work better than walking behind Thor.
"It's King Thor!"
"He has returned to us!"
"Thank the Norms!"
Many different people were gathered. Loki saw some the figured used to be nobles, others maybe regular common folk. He didn't see many people he thought to be of the guard. Maybe since there was no palace to protect and no reason to fight anymore, they were just taking the down time. Something told him otherwise, but he chose to ignore it.
"Hey hey! Move it! I've gotta see Thor. Move! Thank you."
The sound of a woman's voice rang over the crowd. Some people getting shoved and others quickly stepping out of the way. The women quickly made it to the front of the group, hand on her hip the other holding a bottle.
"And where have you been?" She asked, clearly not caring about the status Thor was. Thor could only smile sheepishly at her words.
"I'll tell you everything but it must be in private. Hold your tongue for a moment, I must address everyone." The women only rolled her eyes but stepped to the side of Thor. Loki easily sliding to his brothers other side avoiding anyone feeling him or breaking the spell.
"My people! I bring news of where I have been!" A hush quickly rang out over everyone. There were only a few wood buildings made. Maybe 10 homes, 6 small huts, and a town square were some tents were pitched to sell and trade goods. Everyone that remained was around Thor.
"I was lost for a while. The loss of Asgard rains heavy on my heart. The All-fathers passing and Hela's return linger in my mind. Most of all the one person we never thought to be a savior of us all, my brothers death hangs over me.
I was avenging him and the lives I could not save. We tracked Thanos, the mad titan. Found him and went to him. The villain thought he could live a life in peace. But I quickly ended that. The man that killed half the universe and killed half of us, is dead.
Killed by my hand to avenge everyone he hurt and took. He will never harm anyone again!" Thor finished triumphantly, holding his axe up high. The cheers echoed quickly. Make crying happily for the one that hurt them gone. Others cheered at their king having protected them all.
Loki was happy to see everyone so happy, to see his people at all. But something Thor said didn't sit well with him. He didn't seem to lie about a certain something.
"Please return to your days, I have much to discuss with Lady Valkyrie." Thor said turning to the women, who was A VALKYRIE! Now he had to meet this Lady, he didn't remember seeing this women before.
The people eventually filled away, Thor turning around but quickly paling. "Thor? I'm right here?" The women said, the Valkyrie said. But Thor kept on looking around.
Crap! He didn't tell Thor he was using magic! Loki quickly but calmly grabbed one of Thor's hands, the man startled but Loki started spelling on his palm.
'I-N-V-I-S-I-B-L-E' Considering he was the one that taught Thor this trick of silent speaking, he sincerely hoped he remembered. Small graces he suppose as Thor calmed and instinctively waited for the whole message.
Thor smiled slightly at the message. Another one quickly followed 'S-P-E-L-L…' "Thor what are you doing?" Loki heard the women ask. 'H-O-M-E…' "Thor? Hello?" 'S-O-O
"HEY!" The Valkyrie yelled, Thor's hand behind his back closed, instantly holding Loki's little one.
"Yes? Sorry, come! We must go home." Thor said out speedily. Loki moved to his brothers side, still holding his hand but not making it look odd that Thor's hand is behind his back.
"Alright? Let's go then." The Valkyrie said still looking at Thor oddly but walking anyway. Thor was still at a stand still though. 'W-A-L-K-!' Loki spelled on the top of Thor's hand.
"What? Oh! Yes! To home Loki." Thor said, not quite enough since the Valkyrie looked back with an arched eyebrow. "Heh… coming, let us go!"
—
Loki walked as silent as ever. Looking around the small village that would be his home. The buildings all wood and very familiar. Not as grand as the Nobel houses and the palace, but in the villages that surrounded the large city. The small and comfortable, plus lots of the palace servants would sneak him out and let him see their home.
The people were still adding buildings, fixing up the ones built, making this place a home. It was nice to see. But knowing it wasn't Asgard was still hanging over Loki's head.
How does the song go? "Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the others gold." While this isn't the golden city he was born in, or that anyone was used too. It was a new hope for his people. A new city to make. It's not gold but it will shine. Even if it's silver. Loki smiles a little to himself, yep silver is just as beautiful as gold.
Soon the trio, even if one of them wasn't visible, made it to a small wooden house, it looked friendly. A small house, maybe… 900 Sq ft? It was small, homey, and seemed like a completely different thing from what he thought Thor would live in.
Walking into the house, it really showed how small it was. Clearly it was just like all the other small buildings that have been made. Just a simple open living room, kitchen, and dining room. Basic things, a gray couch, a glass round table in front of the couch. A tiny Tv sitting on a wooden chair. Fitted off with some basic kitchen necessities, white dining table and chairs.
There was some armor and weapons on the… everywhere… some Loki thinks belongs to Thor. The other set looked for a women. Considering there was a long piece of wood covered in sword slash marks tells him that they still practice, or maybe just the Valkyrie. Thor's been with M- With Stark after all right?
"Alright Thor, what's going on? Where have you- well you kind of already answered that. Tell me everything!" The Valkyrie practically bussing with questions. Loki kind of giggled but had to keep quiet.
"Go sit, I need to drop off my stuff in my room, be back in a second. Promise!" Thor yelled walking into a little room, obviously Loki followed.
"Your in the clear brother." Thor said as soon as the bedroom door was closed.
"Thank the Norms! I wasn't sure how much longer I could hold out!" Loki said, clearly exaggerated, fanning himself and jumping into the queen bed that took up most of the room.
Thor only rolled his eyes. "You and I both know you have enough power to run that spell for years. Now, there is a story I must tell to Valkyrie. You're going to have to wait for me to… prepare her for the news. Do you understand brother…"
Great… this again…
"Brother? Are you okay with-"
"Yes. I am. Go and start this so I can meet this friend of yours."
Thor smiled gratefully, placing his stuff around the small room. "I'll call for you yes?"
Loki pushed himself to the middle of the bed. Sitting criss crossed elbows on his knees. "This is the second time I'm doing this. In about less than 24 hours. Call me and I'll come out, but please… make sure I'm not about to go nuts again though yea?"
Thor's face dropped with guilt. Not what he wanted to do. "Thor! I'm joking! I promise, go and talk. I'll still be here brother." Loki said, his words meant to sound as honey.
In reality, he didn't want to go through a mess of "your a liar" and "no I'm not" and angry yelling and all that mess. But the words seemed to work as his brother smiled and hugged him tight.
"This should be quick brother."
The door closed to the near empty and dull room. Nothing showed a touch of Thor. So… he looked around at everything. Cause there was nothing.
Great. Now he was board.
—
Alright. He was sure he could do this. It was just Valkyrie. He closed the door behind him, hiding his brother away till he knew it would be okay to show him.
"About time. Start talking." Valkyrie started the moment he stepped back into the living room. The space was a jack and Jill, he got one room and she got the other.
"Okay. You must let me speak fully, I can not be interrupted. Alright?" He asked cautiously. She eyed him but slowly nodded anyway.
"I last saw you on the ship. When you ran after my brother. I don't know what happened that you left but I know your missing things."
She nodded, taking a breath as if ready to speak but stopping, remembering what Thor Gad just said.
"Loki died. I'm sure it isn't that hard to figure out. Me and him were separated and I lost him. I was found by a group called the Guardians of the galaxy."
A raised eyebrow and confused look filed Valkyrie's face.
"An odd name I know. But they found me and told me what was happening. Some went to stop the mad titan before he could get an infinity stone. It didn't work.
I went with a talking rabbit and a tree to make the axe you saw."
She quickly stifled a laugh, but a small 'what?' Did seem to escape.
"Once it was finished I went to earth. Landed right in the middle of a battle and helped fight. The mad titan appeared on earth, but luckily most everyone was on earth fighting.
Somewhere somewhere else trying to stop him from even using the gauntlet, but that seemed to fail as well, seeing as he was on earth with the golden gauntlet.
I had him in my sights. He was the one that killed Loki."
"He did it!?" Valkyrie yelled fuming in her chair but quickly tried to compose herself.
"He was right in front of me and I was ready to kill him. Avenge my brother for what Thanos did. But- but I missed." Even with him knowing Loki was in the other room, he was getting choked up.
Valkyrie's eyes were wide. Waiting for the rest of the story.
Taking a deep breath he continued. "I hit him, but I didn't kill him. I should have gone for the head, but I didn't. He snapped his fingers and ended half the universe. He achieved what he wanted in the end.
Having failed I- I couldn't come back. I wanted to, but I couldn't face everyone. I couldn't face you. So as bad as it is… I stayed at Avengers HQ. Soon a missing comrade came back from where he was, that off world missions I talked about earlier.
Some tension built but then everyone focused on a new mission. Finding the mad titan. Somehow we did. He had used the infinity stones again and we tracked its power. We found his planet and where he thought he would live a happy life. I didn't want to fail again, so I didn't miss. I killed him. But it didn't make me feel any better for what he did to Asgard and for what he did to Loki.
But… but something happened. I still don't quite understand it… I know you won't believe me when I say this but you must let me explain." He looked at her, somehow the seriousness when he was asking her this time seemed to be the important part. He waited for her to nod. It took a second, maybe she was trying to guess what the news was. What was more important than anything he had just told her.
Thor watched as she finally took a deep breath and nodded. Seemingly ready for whatever else he was about to say. Thor stood up and walked to his bedroom door, Valkyrie clearly confused behind him.
"Come, I think she's ready to meet you." He said quietly.
—
'Ready to meet you'? What did that mean? After being gone, hitting her with everything and now meeting someone? But… no one was with them when they were walking back to the house. Had he gotten to the house befo-
No. dumb question, she's been at the house all day. How could she have missed him.
She watched as he blocked most the door. A soft smile on his face as he took the hand of someone. A very small someone… Thor finally moved fully out of the way to reveal- no. no way. There is no way- how could-
"Brother, this is Valkyrie. She is a good friend of mine."
The moment his words filled the room, she was on her feet. Hands holding herself up on the table. Confusion, fear filled her face. Maybe even a little bit of guilt. The boy looked up at her. His green eyes looking ever her. He bowed a little, eyes going to the floor.
"It's nice to meet you Lady… Valkyrie?" He said, his voice a soft tune as the tweeting of a song sparrow in the morning. It was young, and innocent, and- and somehow Loki.
Slowly she walked over, as if getting closer will ruin the illusion and Loki would disappear. Thor smiled down at his brother, pride and happiness in his gaze.
"Ho-how is… how is this possible?" She quietly asked as she knelt down to him, placing her hands on his very real shoulders.
"I have a theory but I have no real answer Valkyrie." Thor answered shortly.
The boy looked confused to her. As if analyzing her. It was just as Loki would do, but this… how was this boy here!? "Why do you call her Valkyrie? That is not her name." Loki asked, pure confusion and wonder lacing his musical voice.
"What do you mean brother?" Thor asked. Shit. She did not want to go spilling a little thing like her name to him yet. Maybe ever.
"Valkyrie. That's what she is, but not her name. Why do you call her that when it isn't her real name?" Loki asked looking up to Thor.
"It is my name." Valkyrie answered. The boy looked back at her, an eyebrow arched up. "It is. I swear it." She tried again, but was met with a hesitant nod.
"Come, let us sit in the living room. Not in the doorway of my room." Thor walked and Loki followed. Leaving Valkyrie on the ground, still confused but maybe even a little happy.
The trio sat around the living room. Thor and Loki on the gray couch. Valkyrie pulled up a chair from the dining table. Setting on it backwards, resting her arms on the chair's backrest. Still gazing at Loki.
"D-do you know me?" She quietly asked once everyone was settled. Thor sat pretty normally, Loki leaned on him.
His green eyes went back to the floor. After a moment he slowly shook his head.
He… he didn't know her. Why? Why didn't her know her.
"He doesn't remember anything of his adulthood. I believe he only has memory till his 300's." Thor explained. Loki nodding along, telling her the information was correct.
No memory… nothing. He was reverted all the way back to childhood, not just only in form.
"I'm sorry, if I was something to you, I'll be happy to listen. I don't remember anything but I'm trying to get a picture of who I was." Loki explained. While doing so, a pained expression filled Thor's face.
"I didn't know you long but… I'll tell you all I know. If Thor allows it." She added seeing Thor's panicked expression.
Loki looked up at his brother but Thor already calmed his face.
"I had met me only… 2 months ago I think. Not a lot of time to get to know someone but I consider you a friend. So back on the ship… it was scary for me." Valkyrie confessed. She hadn't held hope that Loki was alive after he had gotten her to leave the ship. There was no word of where Thor was and if they didn't know Thor then somehow she figured there was no Loki. He could have reached out had he been alive.
"It is early for you Valkyrie, but Loki has yet to sleep in a… while… I think both of us are tired." Thor said quickly shaking Valkyrie out of her thoughts.
"Y-yea. You two go sleep."
Thor smiled gratefully at her. "What! I'm not even tried!." Loki said but the look in eyes said otherwise. Thor only laughed but lifted Loki up.
"I know I'm not the god of lies but even that one I could tell. Sleep for a little while at least brother." Thor asked.
Loki huffed out a 'fine' and the two made way back into Thor's room. Leaving Valkyrie in the living room with only her thoughts. Thoughts that range from disbelief to memories. Lots of different things running around in her mind that she had no control over. She could still remember his words to her, the feeling of dread filling her… and the moment she knew that Loki was gone.
—
She had seen his face. The look of pure terror filled it. Something she had never seen but granted she had only met him a few days ago… but with everything that's happened, she hadn't seen him terribly scared.
"We must leave now!" He yelled.
"What? Brother what do you mean? We need hel-"
"We will get no help from them! We must evacuate everyone while they are just watching!" Loki yelled again, all poise and calm that made him up was gone. It was a little unnerving to see really.
They argued, bruce sometimes intervening. But nothing was getting decided it seemed.
"Why won't you believe me! Thor this is bad and everyone must leave! You must trust me!" Loki begged, hurt audible in his voice.
"Your over reacting Brother like always, your just shooken up form Asgar-"
"Hello Asgardians." A deep voice interrupted.
"Someones transmitting to the ship Thor." Bruce said seeing the message.
"You are Asgardians yes?" The voice asked.
"Do not answer him." Loki said quietly. If glares could kill, Thor would have been dead three times over.
"I am Thor, Son of-"
"Ah I was right. I know who you are the son of Odin. I have heard a lot about you." The voice interrupted again. Loki visibly shuddered.
"Thor we must leave now." Loki tired again. Thor only put his hand up, telling him to be quiet.
"There are two things of mine on that ship and I require the both of them."
"There are only Asgardians on my ship, there's nothing else." Thor answered.
"We both know that isn't true… or do we?" the voice questioned.
"Who are you?" Thor asked, Loki took a deep breath.
"You do not get to ask questions. Sadly father has decided to leave this mission to me." An accented voice said, the deep one no longer speaking. "I will however grace you with my name. I am Ebony maw."
"We. Must. Go." Loki tired again, gripping the chair Thor was seated in. All of his nervousness was really starting to get to her.
"Thor maybe we should listen to him…" she tried.
"We demand the space stone and the traitor Loki."
She didn't know how Loki could get any paler but he did. Thor looked back to Loki, his gaze wasn't that of fear for him but of accusation.
"What did you-"
"Fine. I'll do it by myself." Loki speed off. Walking with purpose.
"Loki! Loki get back here! What did you do!?" Thor yelled but Loki was already gone.
"King Thor. You have 20 minutes before we board your ship. I suggest you get everything strained out before we take action." Ebony said, leaving Thor no room to say anything as the transmission ended.
"I'll go talk to Loki something must be wron-"
"This is an alert to all the Asgardians by Prince Loki. Everyone must go to the escape pods. This is a red alert. I repeat. Everyone must go to the escape pods." Loki's voice rang out across the ships intercoms. His voice was controlled and nothing in it said he was playing games. The message just kept on repeating.
"It's recorded. He was probably in the communication hub. I'll go. Thor stay and figure out what's happening." Valkyrie said as she ran out to where she hoped Loki was.
People all over the ship were looking around confused, the moment they saw Valkyrie they all swarmed her.
"Lady Valkyrie!"
"She'll know whats going on!"
"Lady Valkyrie what is going on?"
"What is Prince Loki speaking of!?"
It was all to much, everyone asking things not even she had the answer to. What was she supposed to say!? She couldn't handle-
"People of Asgard! You must leave now!" Loki's voice rang out over the crowd of people. Everyone instantly looked away from her and to the prince. All the fear she had last seen him with was gone. It was all deadly determination.
"Prince Loki? What is going on!" Someone yelled. Everyone else agreeing with the question, looking from the person back to Loki.
"There is a danger that is trying to take the ship. The pods will take everyone to earth but everyone must get to them." Loki explained. Valkyrie looked confused, no one was trying to take the ship.
"King Thor is dealing with negotiations but in case they go wrong everyone must be ready. King Thor orders it. What he says will be." Loki said, lying through his teeth but the panic everyone was in seemed to end. Now everyone was just seemed a little scared but trusted their king.
The Asgardians started toward the escape pods, leaving Loki and Valkyrie. "Laky. Why would you say that to them?" Valkyrie asked.
No answer.
"Laky why would you lie to them?"
Still nothing.
"Answer me!"
He looked at her, determination still in his face but fear laced his eyes. So he was still scared. "I know I lied. But you must trust me."
"What!? How can I trust you when your lying about something that isn't happening!"
He moved in front of her, grabbing her by the shoulders forcing her to look up to him. Considering he towered over her by 9 fucking inches.
"You have to leave as well. You must go with them."
"What!? No! I am not leaving!"
"You must. Brunnhilde."
She was stunned. "Wha-what did… what did you just say."
"You don't expect me to think what you are is your name do you." He answered snarkily, a small smile reached his face.
"How long have you known."
"Only since I met you. The fight we had. I learned more than just your sisters fate."
"You son of a-"
"Now go. You must."
"What! Not this again. Laky I am not leaving."
"Brunnhilde. These people need someone they can trust."
"They just trusted y-"
"No. They didn't. They trusted King Thor's words. If I hadn't said that, they wouldn't be getting to safety now." He said a little mad but mostly just defeated. "And I get it. Being god of lies, why trust me and any of my words.
But you. You are someone they can trust." Loki finished looking right at Valkyrie.
"No. no they can't. I won't even tell them my real name!" Valkyrie countered.
"I know the danger that is coming for this ship. If I go with them, they will die. I have to stay and you need to be a leader for them. A leader that they know, a leader that has been good. They need you and I am not taking 'no' for an answer. I will lock you in a pod myself if need be." Loki said, leaving no room for arguing.
Valkyrie just kept on gazing at him, looking for something to say but finding none. She hated to admit it, but she did trust him. If she needed to leave then she knew there must be a reason he was telling her.
"Your a fucking ass hole. You know that." She said shortly. He laughed a bit but looked confused. " You show up out of nowhere. Seem to get power with the Grand Master rather quickly. Then I'm stuck with your drama because of Thor! You get into my head! You learned things about me that no one else ever learned! You did that you ass…" She trailed off.
"I'm sorry I did that now. I suppose I can regret it now that I know you…" He 'apologize'.
Valkyrie huffed. "If that's your try at an apology, Laky, you need to work on it."
He was about to retort, but something had echoed loudly on the ship. One of the boarding docks had been forcibly opened. Loki looked back to Valkyrie, hope and fear in his eyes. It sent panic blooming in her chest.
"Now go. There are still people that need to leave this ship." Loki tried again.
"Okay… but promise me something Laky… you're going to come back. You and Thor." She said in all seriousness. She wasn't joking. She had grown to like the company of the Asgardian brothers. Grew to appreciate being Asgardian again. She… she grew to appreciate Loki.
"I promise." He said cooly.
"I mean it. You are coming to earth. I'm going to see you again. I am going to see you again right… Loki?"
"You will. Now go. The people need you. And Thor needs me." Loki said, eyes turning back the way he came. Where Thor and Bruce were.
"Go. I'll handle everyone. They will get to earth safe." Valkyrie said, maybe if she faked confidence it would eventually turn real. He nodded and started walking back to Thor. But Valkyrie grabbed his wrist. She didn't know what she was going to say… but she knew she wanted to say something.
"Brunnhilde?"
"N-nothing. Just… just fucking come to earth or i'm gonna find you. Got it?"
He smiles a bit. "Yea. I'll come back." And with that he was off running.
She knew she wanted to say something but just couldn't. Right now, she had a job to do. Running the opposite way to help the evacuation. She knew some things she didn't like. One being the little amount of people running from where Loki and Thor are. Two was how she had to handle this on her own.
"Come on People! Into the pods! Let's go!" She yelled as people ran into the escape pods. Some people had their things others only their family. Valkyrie quickly rushed the remaining people when she started hearing screaming echo throughout the ship. Before anyone could panic, she closed the hatches and departed. Some in her pod yelling for her to wait, that their friends or loved ones would make it. They didn't.
The escape pods flew away, heading for earth but leaving many. Valkyrie kept her eyes on the abandoned ship as long as she could. Part of her is happy she did but another part wished she hadn't.
They pods were far but she could tell what happened. It was silent… then a bright light filled her gaze. The blast wave sending the pod farther. She wished it wasn't what she was thinking but she knew. The ship Loki and Thor were on was nothing but rubble now.
He wouldn't be coming back.
He lied.
—
There was nothing to do thinking about the past like that. It wouldn't change anything. It wouldn't bring Loki back. She had a people to care for now. Being a Valkyrie, that came with responsibility. People looked to her and thank the Norms Thor was back. It'll make things easier.
When Thor said 'tired' he wasn't lying. No other sound other than snoring left that room. It was annoying but Valkyrie was happy something other than silence filled the house. It was closer to evening by the time she had heard anything else. It was a small creek of the door. She had just been watching TV, happy to let Thor and his brother rest.
She turned to see a small figure in the doorway, quietly closing the door behind him. He sighed in relief once the door was closed again.
"And what are you doing up?" Valkyrie asked looking over the gray couch, arm on the backrest. He startled a bit.
"Eh… I was- I…" The child stuttered out.
Valkyrie only rolled her eyes. "Thor is going to have an aneurysm if he doesn't see you when he wakes up."
"Y-yea. I know. But I was… bored." He finally said.
Bored. Really. That's why he was awake.
"Ca-can I ask you a question?" His soft voice shyly asked.
She took a deep breath. "Yea. what is it."
"Why do you call yourself 'Valkyrie'?" He asked.
Her blood ran cold. "What do you mean 'call myself'." her tone dead in her ears. He could hear it too, he flinched a bit to it.
"I mean… you don't expect me to think what you are is your name do you?" He said, eyes to the ground. His voice screamed sincere and not joking.
"It's been bothering me, that all. I can tell when someone lies, even if it's just… not telling a true name or not…" His eyes went back to hers. Fear quickly filling them.
"Not that your a liar!" He rambled quickly. Clearly not noticing her getting up.
"I mean, I don't know you, so maybe it's just something you prefer to be called!" He played with his hands, clearly he was nervous.
"Sorry… I shouldn't have as-"
"It sucks you don't know me… Laky." Valkyrie said as she hugged the small boy. She hated that this wasn't Loki. Not her Loki anyway. That he had no idea who she was. That he technically kept his promise. But most of all that she was still sad, as if Loki wasn't in front of her right now. As if she wasn't hugging him right now.
This child was him, but it still hurt.
"You feel the same way as Thor. Don't you." His voice came to her ears.
She leaned away from her embrace, only seeing a sad face in her gaze. "Wh-what do you m-mean?" Fuck. She was crying. That wasn't supposed to happen. Well, neither was Loki coming back. But here they are.
"I can tell. Thor had said it earlier. 'my brothers death hangs over me' as if I am still dead… but I suppose I am aren't I?"
That… that was not what she had expected a child to say. But it would be something Loki would say. She may not say it out loud but Loki was smart, almost too smart. She could only imagine before what he was like as a child.
"No… Loki, no. I don-"
"Don't lie!" He yelled. He wouldn't look at her, but she could tell he was trying to hold back tears. "It sucks having to heat lies. I haven't learned h-how to block them out y-yet. I-It sucks. Being sur-surrounded by lies…" He brought up his arm to wipe his eyes.
She didn't know what she was supposed to do. He was crying and it hurt her because he wasn't wrong. She had heard Thor and thinking back, even seeing Loki right now, it still seemed as though Loki was dead.
"I'm sorry… I-I'm sorry that this is what you get b-back." He said sinking to his knees. Fuck. This isn't okay. None of this is.
He just kept on apologizing. Him. A child. She was the one who had angry that Loki came back but not as himself. She had to do something.
"Hey…" She said quietly. Nothing. He just kept on crying.
"Loki." Valkyrie tried again. Still nothing.
"Loki, look at me." She said with a little more force. Slowly, very slowly, he moved his arm, his ever striking green eyes looking back at her brown eyes. "Yes. I am upset. I wish the one that came home was the Loki I first met. I wish it was the one I fought with, hated for a bit, but got along with. But that's not going to happen. You made a promise to me. That you would come back. I'm upset that you fulfill that promise just not in the way I thought you would. Your who came back. I have to get to know you all over again. Both of us do. I didn't know you as a child and you don't remember me. So… how about this. I forget you-"
"What!?" Valkyrie held her hand up.
"I'll forget the you I knew and I'll meet you. Your here. And why complain about that? Let's start over. Completely. No lies. No faking. Both of us will get to know each other. Deal?" Valkyrie held her hand out. Her face nothing but seriousness. Loki seemed to read her. A small smile made its way onto his face.
"Your not lying anymore." Loki said as he took her hand. Can't take back this deal now. But seeing the relieved smile on his face was worth it. This wasn't the way she thought the promise would be fulfilled, but she could roll with this.
"A-are you willing to tell me your real name now?" He asked quietly, giving her the biggest puppy eyes. How was she supposed to say no to that?
Sighing loudly, making Loki giggle a bit. "My name is Brunnhilde."
Loki held out his little hand again. She took It.
"Nice to meet you Lady Brunnhilde."
