Hello my amazing readers! Sorry for the long wait… but hopefully this chapter can lead to some exciting things… and with the votes from instagram ( lady_loki0516) and from comments on here, Loki shall be aged 5 years to 14 years old (in Midgardian standards) I hope you enjoy this chapter and stick with me to this end. I have some ideas in my mind on where this will all end. Some happy… some… less so. But we'll see! Remember! Comment! I love comments! They make me write more! I love the community (If I have enough fans for that…) but if you have ideas, comment, if you have art, post it and tag my insta so I can see! I love all of y'all! Please keep vibing!
-Cluelessreader
Chapter 12
It's been 3 days. 3 days since Loki left. With nothing other than a piece of paper telling them so. Pepper was a mess, she was sad and very very upset with Tony. Nebula, she was… well… he didn't really know what she was feeling. He knew that her and the build-a-bear were packing and fixing the ship. Heading out again to do god knows what.
He knew something else too.
He fucked up.
It was a nice morning today, Pepper was sitting in the living room… still holding the paper. She thinks if she holds it long enough he'll just come back. Not gonna happen. She was still ignoring him, duh, and watching the news.
Tony on the other hand was going through security footage. He couldn't remember that night, but he knew it was bad. He remembered watching the drive and then seeing Loki teleport. Then a very pissed off Thor. Then… nothing. Passed out with no dreams. He didn't remember what he said, but it must have been bad.
With a tablet in hand and headphones in his ears, he leaned on the bar. Letting the polished marble hold him up.
The video was dark, only lit by the golden lights that came on at night. Setting the mood for drinking, as always. He could always walk into that kitchen and the lighting makes it perfect for a nice drink. That turns into two or three or whole bottles.
He was watching the drive on the video. That lasted for a while, so he skipped the video a bit. Finally reaching his fourth time puking, thank god he did that in the sink and not on the floor. Watching himself in that state… It was really depressing. But the think that sucked was it made him want to drink to forget it. Not sober up like he should.
Soon a small body walked into view. Slowly walking, looking behind him often. Trying to hide from Thor maybe? He had a small hopefully smile on his face.
"Mr. Stark?" His voice reached through the headphones. The light tones of his voice. He hadn't heard the kids voice in 3 days, hearing it made him miss Loki. And regret whatever he was about to see.
"Y- yea?" He hiccuped out. because of course he couldn't fucking talk right. The kid clearly got the shift in the mood. He was expecting happy and fucking sober Tony. Not griefing and drunk Tony. A rather bad surprise for the kid.
"Um… I- I need to tell you something…" The shift of hopefulness in his tone changed quickly. Tony could tell the kid started trying to tread lightly. He didn't speak for a bit. Tony almost thought the video was frozen, but this is his tech. His tech doesn't freeze.
"Aren't you like- like a prince or something? Why are you waiting to talk?" Tony sighed. A deep and regretful sigh. He knew this wasn't the worst he said that night, and that was the most disappointing thing. Loki flinched at his words, arms going around himself. He was still trying to talk, Tony could tell he was really trying to just take the blunt of his words.
"I- yes… I mean, I believe I'm still considered one…"
"Considered one!? Wow! You sound so dumb." Tony cringed. He had said that? "Your one or your not. Simple as that." Tony watched as the kid seemed to get embarrassed. His eyes trying to stay on Tony, but falling to the ground. He made him embarrassed, god why couldn't the kid have just stayed away that night…
He watched as he got more annoyed. Why was he annoyed! It was just Loki trying to talk to him. "Well? Out with it! What did you want to tell me? I'm really busy over here." That was a big fat lie. He could barely stay on his seat, let alone be doing anything important.
"Um… me and Br-brother were talking… he said… um-"
"For the love of god! Out with it!"
Tony thought he would be sick. He couldn't remember saying any of this… but the fact that he did… He could see the trust that Tony had built when first meeting the kid, was breaking by the second. Already under tough pressure from his other outbursts. How had the kid bounced back to trust him before so easily!? Just how a child works he supposes.
"He thinks we're going to be l-leaving tomorrow." Loki finally said, but still wouldn't look up at Tony. He hoped he said something not too bad. Something other than stupidity.
"Okay, is that it?" He slurred out with attitude.
The moment he said that he saw heartbreak on Loki's face. He quickly countered. "I thought… I thought you would w-want to know…" Tony knows that now! He was trying, and yet Tony was just a dumbass.
"Yeah well you thought wrong. That's not what I want. You can go now."
The second he heard what he said, his hand slammed on his face, frustration radiating off of him. Why had he said that! He didn't want Loki gone! He wasn't supposed to act like that, especially to a child!
He heard the heavy footsteps of the thunder god. He was looking for his little brother. Loki had jumped a bit, looking back to Tony… and backing away. He backed away from him. Loki did his nervous tic, playing with his hands, eventually trying to answer. But Tony cut him off. Yelling for Thor himself.
Loki went eye wide. Tony having just thrown him under the bus to his big brother. Thor had greeted Tony but not seeing the state he was in clearly focused on Loki. He tried to just get the kid out, and Tony really wished he did. Wished that Thor had gotten Loki back to their room to rest, forget that night at all!
"Wait! Wait! Somethings wrong with Mr. Star-"
"Look Loki. There is nothing wrong. Go to bed, and leave with Thor."
"I thought-"
"It doesn't matter what you thought! Just leave yea? I'm busy over here!"
Tony wasn't surprised when Thor walked over to him. Clearly upset about how Tony was talking to Loki. And to think, he only caught that little bit. Obviously once Thor said something he would be smart enough not to continue… right?
"Oh like the way you did earlier?"
Fuck. Clearly he was wrong. Why was he still even talking! And another great question was why in the hell wasn't Thor kicking his drunken teeth in. This is his little brother we're talking about here after all!
They argued more and Loki only got more nervous. The tension between Tony and Thor is too thick. He wouldn't want to be Loki in that situation. Loki himself tried to defuse the situation. Two times.
"What? I'm not good enough anymore? Don't like Pep or some-"
"It is clear I am a pain to you. This is not the first outburst you've had. I would much rather be home with my real family then be a pain in your side any longer." Loki answered. Clearly it surprised him when he was drunk, but being sober… it sounded a lot like his past self. The confidence and the way he raised his chin. No fear at retorting. Tony was proud… but that was when he wasn't drunk to shit.
"What real family."
That pride, just a second ago, vanished. Quickly replaced with his own shame. Why couldn't he just shut up. Why couldn't he have kept his mouth shut! A lot of things would be gone had he stopped talking while intoxicated. But it only got worse.
"Last I checked, don't know if you were listening to everything, but I'm sure you were. Your parents are gone. Your mom first then your dad. All you have left is Thor, and even then he has the memories of you and him together. Growing up together. But now your a little kid. He has to help the people of assgard. Or the ones left anyway. And raise you. You have no home. No real family. And I wonder what's gonna happen when you go to wherever the others are. But hey. That's just a thought of mine."
His heart stopped. Not only at the words his drunken self spoke, but at the reaction Loki had. Frozen in place. He muttered something but the audio didn't pick it up. Clearly neither did he. He had yelled at him, and finally he heard the sad words. Loki had forgotten. And yet Tony still taunted and poked fun.
"Their dead! I-I forgot what Thor said! I…" And he crashed. Falling to his knees, tears falling from his eyes.
The shame came back ten fold. He made Loki cry. Again. Thor was at Loki's side quickly. Loki just kept on crying. Not listening to anything, and Tony, asshole he was, only watched. The kid wept and wept, magic flashing into view. Clouding the camera everytime it flashed. Thor just kept on trying but after a while, Thor let go. Slowly backing away from the child. Why was he letting go!
Then… nothing. No light. No crying. No nothing. He was just gone. Tony jumped a bit, and clearly even drunk he could ask the question on his mind. 'Teleported' the kid just broke physics and every science he knew. He poofed out of space to god knows where.
"I'm not done with you yet. But I must find my brother."
Tony shivered. He knew the threat and wondered how he was still breathing. But then again, right after that, they left. Came and they're- got Thor's things and left. The Einstein- Rosen Bridge flashing the outside security camera.
He turned off the tablet. The black screen showing the reflection of his tired and defeated face. He wished he wasn't drunk that night. If he wasn't maybe Loki and Thor would still be here. But of course… he fucked up. Making Thor pissed to shit and driving Loki away.
He heard pepper run in the living room, rushing to a small table where you could control everything, bascily, a really cool remote. It drew his attention. He stalked to the door frame, seeing Pepper look at her phone then changing the channel quickly.
"Pep, what are you doing?" He asked, hoping she would talk to him today.
"The news Tony! We need to watch this!" Pepper said happily, but something felt a little forced in that tone. Something they should be happy about… but won't be?
Soon the screen was on some forine news station. The station's brand flashed on screen, Norsk Rikskringkasting, the camera changing to a woman. Tony had no idea what this was. A female correspondent was somewhere in… Norway? It was a sunny day, and the town she was in looked pretty, uhh… not advanced, for what times they live in. Little wood shakes and some buildings, also made of wood, with some tents around. It seemed the woman was in a town square, or where everything happens anyway. Tents all around in the back had goods, such as food, clothes, pots or pans, and other things people might want to buy.
She did that weird thing where someone brakes off to them and the audio hasn't reached them yet, so they just stand there a bit awkwardly. In seconds she was speaking. Pepper yelled over her. "F.R.I.D.A.Y! I need you to translate what she's saying quickly! Please! Captions! Anything!"
"Yes Ma'am… The station does not offer captions, please listen out."
The woman, with blond hair cut short, clearly dyed, was smiling her ass off. If for TV or genuinely being happy, Tony didn't know. It looked like nice weather but the woman was still wearing at least a light scarf and a dark blue jacket.
"Vi er her i dag med noen veldig spennende nyheter!"
"We have some very exciting news." F.R.I.D.A.Y quickly said.
"Landet som nå er hjemsted for asgardiske flyktninger har endelig nådd ut til sine "menneskelige" naboer!"
"The country now home to Asgardian refugees has finally reached out to its 'human' neighbors."
The camera panned around, showing a large crowd of people talking amongst themselves, some nervous and some just confused at what was about to happen. The camera, while panning around, showed other news stations in the area. Luckily Tony recognized one.
"F.R.I.D.A.Y, change it to BBC news will you."
"Sure boss." F.R.I.D.A.Y chimed back, the channel changed immediately.
There was the anchor and the co-host sat at a metallic tabel, with a photo of the London skyline behind them. The anchor was a middle aged man, looked young for his age, but it was his blue eyes that gave away everything he's ever reported on. The co-host a late 20's early 30's woman. She seemed experienced and both looked very persessonial.
"In other news, yesterday afternoon, our own correspondent was lucky enough to catch the first words out of the Asgardian refugees to the world." The man spoke.
The women nodded. "Yes, it was quite the day indeed. For those in other parts of the world who may not know, this is the story."
The camera faded to black, fading back into panning shots of a village. Which was odd, a village that looked completely made of wood. In this time and age?
"This is the land that now houses the Asgardian refugees. The people building up a little bit of a town but still in progress. The people themselves having made it here a month or so ago, have not said anything to their new "Mortal" neighbors. Until yesterday that is."
More shots of the village, some showing the people working, building, or just walking around. Men, women, elderly, and children all showed at some point. Not very many kids though… The last image shown, an empty podium.
"It was yesterday that their king, a very familiar face, finally announced very big news. That king may look familiar to you, and he should. He is the hero who was not only in New Mexico back in 2011, making his first appearance. Then again but fighting with the heroes of the Avengers in 2012. FIghting off an invasion in New york, then the following year fighting to save London. Then fighting with the band of heroes again in 2015 in Sokovia, adding new members to their team along the way. He has had a very busy life to the people of earth.
He vanished for a few years, not showing up during the "breakup" of the Avengers, then returning back last month to fight off Thanos. Though trying their hardest to defeat the purple alien, the avengers failed. Thor hadn't been back to this people only until 2 days before the announcement.
The first news to ever come out of the small nation of people, shocking not only them but the world itself."
The camera changed, audio getting louder considerably. The crowd around that empty podium from before on the TV. Some looked excited, others nervous, and even more confused. Soon the camera focused on the podium. Thor and a woman walking up. Thor center and the women to his left, her hands clasped in front of her. A hush rang over the crowd once Thor stepped behind the podium.
"My people! It warms my heart to see everyone here together. To finally see my peoples faces after so long. I am sorry I have been gone. But I will no longer lie to you. I was afraid."
Tony wasn't even focused on the words. He scanned the image, even though the camera wasn't moving, to find the kid. If there was a Thor, then now there had to be a Loki. He could hear a few people gasp and saw the shocked faces of some. But he didn't see the small pale face that was unique to Loki in the race of Asgardians.
"I was afraid of facing all of you, as a failure. I lost the battle. Both with Hela and the mad titan. I lost our home and lost our people. Many died due to my incompetence. I know not if you have heard the truth about that day. But it wasn't my order for everyone to evacuate."
What the? Oh! Something bruce had told him. An evacuation of the Asgardian people before Thanos hit. He still didn't care, he could tell Pepper didn't care much either. Her own eyes scanning for the rich black hair and green hoodie she had gotten him. He just needed to see if Loki was okay. Especially after that night. Just something any-
"It was my brother. He was the one who knew the coming threat. He was the one that ordered the evacuation, using my name to help you all trust his word. Valkyrie told me everything that happened that day. The fierce determination in his eyes as he made sure our people made it to the pods. She also spoke of his fear. He was afraid during it. But he knew something bad was coming and he knew something bad was going to happen to him."
Tony and Pepper hung on every word. This was a different view from what Bruce had told them. Him and Thor. It was filling in gaps and made something hit wrong to Tony. If Loki knew what was coming, why not leave with the evacuation? Some people listened in disbelief, others in pure horror. The reporters just trying to get everything written down for future printing.
"My brother left the care of the last Asgardians to Valkyrie. When he could have gone with you all, he placed charge in someone close and trust worthy, and came back to me. He came back to help me, to save me. He fought. He would not relent to the hands of the mad titan. Tooth and nail he fought. Saving me and giving time for us to escape."
Peppers eyes were glistening. If there is anything she doesn't like was stories of death, especially about someone she knew and cared for. Her face matched a lot of people in that audience in Tony's opinion. But he kept on listening, still looking out for anything that screamed Loki.
"Loki died a hero and that was the greatest pain of all. The pain of losing the only family I had left, it drove me away from all of you. I went and hunted the mad titan to avenge him, but failed. It wasn't until a few days ago when I and the Avengers learned of his hiding place, we went to him. I killed him, setting the world free of him and his dark mind."
The audio peeked a bit with the cheers of the people. Almost missing the next words.
"I killed him but I was still lost. It didn't feel the hole fill. But it seems the Norms answered my prayers. I know not how this happened. I believe it is the work of the All-father and All-mother. I feel their power through him. The savior of us all, has returned to us."
Tony and Pepper leaned forwards a bit. The people in the crowd looked confused and started muttering to each other. Thor finally looked back, saying something but the mic's not catching it, holding out his hand. Walking back to the podium… holding nothing? And spoke again.
"I give you. People of my heart, mortals of Midgard, the savior of all Asgardians."
Pepper cried out, jumping up, hands covering her mouth. Tony was dumbfounded. The 'nothing' Thor was holding was the hand of an invisible child. The people all around gaped, their talking silent.
He had his head down, looking as nervous as a mouse in a crazy cat lady's house. His pale skin, tinted a lighter pink. His hair was combed back, like how his past life wore it, a gold crown on his head. The crest from his letters seal in the middle of the crown. He wore a dark green shirt, it was loose but fit well. His pants had some gold lines on it… maybe it meant something, but Tony couldn't figure it out. He wasn't wearing the clothes that Pepper had gotten him. There was no trace of his time with him and Pepper anywhere. The bruise on his neck finally letting up. The bruise that Tony had put on him, fully gone.
People started yelling. Before Tony could hear the words, he felt anger. Thinking the people yelling horrible things at Loki. Is there really anything worse than what Tony's already said?
"He has returned to us!" A man's voice, loud, reached the camera.
Soon more and more people yelled about the same. Nothing but happiness in their voices. Hope and happiness.
"By the will of the All-father and All-mother!" They started chanting. He didn't know what that meant but clearly Loki did. His pink hue finally giving way to his normal color. He looked up. Eyes wide and a little fearful.
"Prince Loki, my brother, has returned!" Thor yelled over everyone, causing more cheers and clapping. The women behind Loki yelled something a cocky smile on her face, but it still beamed with pride. Much as Thor's face was.
Loki looked up, Thor handed him a microphone. Once Loki took it everyone was once more quiet. Tony and Pepper were holding their breaths like everyone on the TV. Loki's eyes closed, he took in a deep breath, and spoke.
"I am Loki. Prince of New Asgard. And I am home."
He stood tall, chin raised, looking every bit the prince he was. The people cheered, Tony didn't even think they could get any louder. Apparently he was wrong. The women walked up to Loki, lowering down to him, Thor doing the same. Both lifting him up, resting him on their shoulders, their other hands raised with fists closed. Cheering just as loud as the people below. Loki looked around and he smil- the video cut, going back to the news anchors.
Making Tony and Pepper blink a few times in surprise. From the happy scene to such a basic look, it was like having cold water thrown on them.
"The world learned a lot about the people now inhabiting this planet. King Thor finally revealing the name of their land. New Asgard." The man said, a photo of Thor, the women, and Loki behind him. Showing the smile that they had previously cut. Pepper looked so happy.
"As well as revealing a prince! Nations all over the world are welcoming New Argard easily, some countries and other nations not so welcoming but keeping a pleasant silence on the new little nation." The co-host started "It raises questions on how…"
Pepper didn't care enough to have the TV on after that. Turning it off and looking at Tony. A bit of sadness in her eyes. "You sent that away. Loki and Thor. Part of me is furious at you for saying whatever it was you said to them. But if you hadn't those people wouldn't have their leader and royal family back. We… We should go see them. For you to apologize."
"I don't think they want to see me, you can go. Now we know where they are. I know you miss him."
"Of course I do, but I know how smart that child is. What did you say to him?" She asked, knowing full well it was bad.
"I'm sure you can-"
"I'm not going to assume. You had better tell me."
Tony sighed. Not because of her, but because that shame and guilt that was gone when watching Thor and Loki came back. "I… I said such horrible things to him Pep. That I didn't care… I made him fear going home, for how his people would react that it was him that came back and not someone important. I brought up his family… his parents." He said vaguely. Not wanting to get into detail.
She gasped, disgust written all over her face. "Tony! Why!? Why would you do that! You've known him longer then me and even I know how he will be with those words! I can't imagine what's going around in his mind because of you…"
Another 100 pounds of guilt. Tony hadn't thought about that. The last time he had yelled at the kid, Loki was a crying mess. Afraid that he had made Tony angry. What was he thinking now…
"We are going. You, and I mean it, you are going to apologize. To Thor and especially to Loki."
"Pepper! He's happy now. He doesn't have to think about me-"
"But you know he will! You found him Tony. You brought him to earth. You reunited him with Thor. You. Not anyone else. Sure that woman helped but it was you. Tony, your the first thing he trusted when he came too right?"
Tony nodded.
"Then you're going to apologize. Loki is a smart kid, but I have a feeling that not until recently did things look so bright to him. He takes everything anyone says to heart. You and I both know that. He can't have what you said to him in his head with no help. You said those things, so you need to be the one to tell him you were wrong." Pepper said the look in her eyes said pleading but her tone said no question asked.
He did need to fix it. Take back everything he said. But after that spectacle, he can see Loki is better off without Tony around. He's hit him once, and destroyed his self confidence. After what he's seen, he can tell Thor and that women have it covered. He'd be better off not showing his face around New Asgard, especially with Thor's words still ringing around.
"I'm not done with you yet. But I must find my brother."
"Okay Pepper, but not now. I will. Once everything dies down and once… once I can let myself…"
She looked at him oddly. "Once you can what?"
Face the public being a failure. "Once I can leave without being seen as Iron Man anymore."
"What do you mean Tony?"
"Pepper, I can't leave yet. I'm not leaving… the people are going to see me and see Iron Man, the one who lost. I couldn't save anyone Pep… I- I'm done with Iron Man."
Peppers face softened, she closed the gap between the two. "Okay. Not now, but you will see him again and make right for what you did."
Stark was wrong. His people welcomed him back, his mother and father brought him back, Thor didn't resent him being a child and not who he used to be. Everything Stark said was wrong.
So why did he feel the danger in Starks words surrounding him?
The announcement went off without a hitch. The name of the land loved by his people. Nations seeing New Asgard as a new nation and not just a space of sad refugees.
After the reporters left, the town was a light with party plans. The people instantly went to Thor and Loki when they walked down the 'stage'. Most of the men went to Thor and said their words of pride with their king. Even including Brunnhilde, some making plans for training and new buildings. They did say their hello's to Loki and how happy they are that he is back.
It was really weird.
He didn't remember ever getting so much attention back in asgard.
The women however went straight to Loki. Some used to be maids or servants for the palace, others just regular shop owners. But some having lost their child to Hela or Thanos, once they saw him. A child prince, they were ecstatic. Happy and hopeful for their future.
"Your highness! Prince Loki!" A woman yelled, her voice sounded aged but still seemed familiar to him.
Loki turned looking around, trying to see over the group of people around him, Thor and Brunnhilde. "Please excuse me, I'm so sorry, thank you," The woman said, sliding her way into the group.
He felt his heart stop. The honey like voice hitting him like a ton of bricks. The golden hair having some lines of silver now. Not many, but they were there. Like accents to the gold. Her light brown eyes meeting his.
"Lady Ava?" He breathed out.
She stopped, only a few feet away before holding her hand out to him, the warmest smile on her face. She had some tears in those happy amber eyes. Loki ran, closing the gap quickly and was enveloped in her arms. Ava laughing, hiding the soft sobs leaving her.
"I can't believe it! I thought- well with everything Thor spoke of, I didn't think-"
"I know little one. I thought you gone too."
"How are you here? Is Viktoria here? What about Ase or Eric-"
"No my prince. Much of your mother's old handmaid's left when your mother… Most stayed in the palace to continue to work, in the kitchens or to care for the soldiers. Once Hela came… not many survived."
Loki's happiness at seeing a familiar face disappearing with the faces he will never see again. He knew people would be gone, that he wouldn't see many that he recognized. He instantly forgot, because if Lady Ava was alive then surely her closest friends would be too…
"They died fighting your highness. Your mother had quite the lesson for them. I'm not sure if you know a small secret… I wonder if I should tell you this…"
"Yes please! I want to know!" Loki said excitedly. Having some knowledge on his mother would be amazing. It would make him closer to her.
Ava dramatically looked around, the group of people still around Thor and Brunnhilde. "Once everything dies down my prince, I will tell you an amazing secret."
All attention that had once been occupied by Stark was easily placed on the back burner of his mind.
After the buzz in the village dissipated, Thor and Lady Brunnhilde walked Loki back to the house. Huge smiles on their faces as they talked about a village wide festival. The spirits of the people replenished.
The reunion of Lady Ava and Loki really made him finally think things were looking up. She walked along them, Thor happily chatting and making the proper introductions to Lady Brunnhilde. The two seemed to get along, much to Loki's confusion but gratefulness. When he pictured Lady Ava he saw peaceful and calm, while Lady Brunnhilde on the other hand he saw ferocity and vigour. And yet… somehow the two found common ground, talking about their lives and, much to Loki's surprise, battles.
"Loki, you will stay home for the time being, me and Valkyrie need to see to the village's preparations, be ready for a grand night little one."
Loki rolled his eyes, the whole point of his revile was so he could walk around, but Thor was happy and he wasn't about to start causing trouble. Not now anyway.
The trio said their goodbyes for the time being, Lady Ava volunteering to stay with Loki. With Thor and Lady Brunnhilde off around the town it gave plenty of time for Lady Ava and Loki to catch up.
"I know Thor has a theory as to how your back, but you wouldn't happen to have your one would you?"
Really, if Loki was being honest, he didn't. Slowly he shook his head. "I trust Thor's Theory. He has said mutliup times to have 'felt' their power through me before."
Her eyes widened a bit. "You can use your magic?" She asked cautiously.
"Yea. I remember a good amount of lessons I learned. But I don't remember much…" Loki ended.
Ava's face saddened a bit, but she still smiled.
"I remember you, and Viktoria. When I would help you around the palace, or when she would help me find me some of the best spots to hide in. And I remember going down to town with you and Ase, when I wasn't allowed outside the palace walls."
"You can only remember your childhood?"
"I remember about a little before my first naming day celebration."
"Your naming day! You don't remember anything after that?"
"Sadly… no…" Loki wasn't liking this conversation. It kept Starks words ringing in his ears.
"Last I checked, don't know if you were listening to everything, but I'm sure you were. Your parents are gone. Your mom first then your dad. All you have left is Thor, and even then he has the memories of you and him together. Growing up together. But now your a little kid-"
Stop that! Loki shook his head quickly trying to get rid of the poisonous words.
"You know… I believe I can tell you a special secret now. I did promise you that did I not?"
Loki refocused. Taking in the here and now… not that place. He nodded.
"There is a reason so many handmaidens stayed in the palace after your mother's passing to Valhalla."
"Really?"
Ava nodded her head. "Yep! You see… no one of Asgard knows this but we were warriors to her. A secret band of protectors for the queen. Trained by her hand in the arts of magic, stealth, and prescies assassonation."
"Really! You and Ase and Viktoria and Gerd and Embla and and-"
"Yes little one. Everyone that was a handmaiden to your mother was part of her secret guardians. Many of the women stayed to help serve the palace. Still stayed to help take care of dutys but when Hela came, they fought. That's why they are not here anymore. Because they fought and died like true warriors of Asgard."
"...They are with mother?"
Ava smiled, definitely the one of her more happy smiles that day. "Yes my little prince. Everyone is with your mother, they are feasting in the hall of Valhalla happily watching over us."
Pepper was pissed at him. He was pissed at him really. Nebula and rocket left a bit ago, flying to who knows where. Tony could tell Nebula was pissed with him too, not a word on her departure. The build-a-bear was the one to alert them. But eventually they left.
Everyone else was awake and about, not to good of a reaction when they say the repeat on the news about Loki. Cap was nervous at a Loki being back at all, Natasha was worried that a certain bird brain would try something. Seeing as how he was a mercenary of sorts now.
"I have to leave. Maybe going to New Asgard will lead me to Clint."
"Nat, you know he's not that du-"
"He's not dumb but clearly after revange. Who better to take his anger out on then the one who took over his head."
Now that set something unsettling in his brain. What if robin hood really did go after the kid… not like Thor couldn't handle it, let alone the kid himself. Tony's seen his powers, if anything Clint has to be smart enough to stay away, but no one other then himself, Thor, Pepper, and Nebula has seen his powers before.
"Okay, so clint is a small issue, nothing to worry about I think."
"I wasn't really asking what you think. I'm going to find him and make sure he doesn't do anything stupid. Especially if the world recognizes Loki as a prince of a nation, Clint would start something awful going after him." Natasha said, pulling a black duffle bag over her shoulder, presumably filled with all her things.
"I agree with Natasha, Tony. I think it's best I leave too. I can't help anyone the way we did before, but maybe I can do something in my home. If you need me, you'll know where I'll be." Rogers said a brown backpack already on his back. Holding the shield Howard made.
"I'm assuming you're leaving that here. Seeing as it's not yours." Tony snipped.
Rogers looked like someone had just slapped him, like a slap would make him react anyway. Super soldier and all.
"Ton-"
"You know what. I don't even want that in my home, take it and leave already."
Rogers took a breath, ready to say something but Nat put a hand on his shoulder. Silencing him before another argument broke out.
The two left after that.
Which left Bruce, Rhodey, and the new member of the shattered Avengers. But she was soon to leave anyway.
"There's always trouble on other planets, I've got to go. You know, help them out." She said an easy smile on her face.
Tony nodded. With everything that's happened, he was sure other planets were in need of help. Not just Earth.
"Good work. And It was nice to meet you, even if our meeting was a little sour."
She only huffed a laugh. " Not a problem with me. I don't know what went on with you all but just don't sit on it too much, never know what might happen thinking about the past you know?" And with that she was off.
Flying high into the sky, disappearing from view into space.
Pepper obviously wasn't anywhere near Tony, so he just stayed in the living room. Not his first night on the couch. He knew he would be here for the foreseeable future. Not that he didn't deserve it.
Turning on the TV, he went through different channels.
"F.R.I.D.A.Y, turn out the lights would ya, and make sure everything is locked." He said that really just for peace of mind, really, who was dumb enough to rob Avengers base. But you never know.
"Done boss." She chimed. Leaving him back to look through the TV.
Soon he was back on the news. A new announcement from New Asgard. Great.
"The king of New Asgard and his people are buzzing with festival energy, more like preparation festival energy. As customary, to their culture, any great news is celebrated nationwide. King Thor happily invited nation leaders to New Asgard's first grand celebration. A way to introduce themselves to fellow countries and nations." The news anchor on PBS said.
"I wonder who's going to arrive, but since they are such a small nation, the preparations will last a few months. They are still building after all, but with the festival news, many nations are eager to accept the invite when they are finally given. In other news…"
Tony changed the channel. Not wanting to see anything else to do with New Asgard. He was just going to focus on getting right with Pepper and living again.
But two things pulled at him. The drive and the kid himself.
He needed to fix his mistakes.
But how?
