Author's note: Okay! Like I said at the beginning, this fic is M because while it's not explicit, it's not fade to black either. It's hopefully tasteful. It's hopefully not cringe-worthy either, but hey. ; ) So yes, kinda M-rated stuff gonna happen here, fair warning!
Chapter twelve
Isn't it wonderful?
Loki took her to Alfheim, since it was one of the realms they hadn't checked. Loki had said something about not feeling any signs of unusual power on Jotunheim, so it must have just been about the mysterious blue beings that drew him there. Darcy really hoped that no one else would be killed, but it seemed to be a pattern. She wondered if anyone else had died that they didn't know about…was Earth going to be next? Even if they went there and warned someone, it seemed to be pointless. The person died no matter what. It was a depressing thought. They appeared in a little meadow full of flowers and surrounded by beautiful trees. Quite a sight to behold. Darcy could stay there all day if given the chance. She wasn't sure that they would spend much time here, though. Loki was getting more and more anxious to find the rest of the Gems, annoyed that so much time had passed between getting the Mind Gem and getting the Reality Gem. Honestly, she didn't know how Eryyi had found the Gem nor how she hadn't been affected by the dream (Loki had confirmed her suspicion), but she was relieved. She could imagine the unfortunate need to return to a dream world to get it, but she didn't want to do that. Not again.
They walked through a line of trees and into a small town. Her breath left her as she realised that they lived in little homes in the trees, stairs spiralling around the tree trunks and leading up to the intricately carved houses. Bigger than what she would have expected, Darcy was still surprised at the size of them. Could families fit in those? Darcy wasn't sure how she felt about it, but Loki seemed to be able to read her mind.
"They are magically enchanted, like my room and the houses of the Dwarves…bigger on the inside," Loki explained quietly.
"Like Time Lords…so weird," Darcy said.
"I am not sure what you mean…there are no such things. There are time spells, but most Sorcerers with that spell are dead," Loki said.
"Really? How many are there now?" Darcy asked. "And Time Lords are fictional people from a tv show on Earth…"
"Only one left," Loki said.
"Let me guess…you?" Darcy asked. Loki smiled and she knew it was true. "Seriously? You had that power and you still lost against the Avengers? Jeez, what the hell, man."
"You make it sound so simple; my time there was when I was at my weakest. You see, Thor is often at his strongest when he is emotional or angry, whereas I tend to be deadlier when I am level-headed," Loki said. "Of course, he is still strong when he is level-headed, but there was once a time that this applied almost completely. Now, I believe he is strong regardless. Angry or not, he has conviction. He is not one to lie, being quite honest and straight forward. If he says he is going to do something, he rarely fails to follow through."
"I could see that. I feel like you're missing the point," Darcy said.
"Not being in full control, my powers were not used to their potential," Loki said with a shrug. Darcy could tell that he didn't care. He didn't want to be that person. Darcy walked in silence with him through the little town that seemed so precious and peaceful. She wished she had her camera. As it was, she didn't even have her phone with her. If she had, then she would have tried to call home or Jane long ago. The last person she saw was Ian, her poor intern. She knew Loki would take her home after this journey, though. The things she had seen…no one could possibly fake it. She hoped he eventually found Thor and talked to him, because Thor was devastated by Loki's death. She hoped he realised that.
"Are we staying here?" Darcy asked.
"We are going to carry on through until we find the big city," Loki said.
"Why didn't you just teleport us there like always?" Darcy asked.
"I thought you would prefer the scenic route," Loki smirked. Darcy chuckled.
"Now you're being thoughtful? Wow, who are you and what did you do to Loki?" Darcy asked. He scoffed.
"You mortals and your strange humour," Loki teased. Darcy stuck her tongue out at him and looked around, enjoying the view and glad he was being so thoughtful. It was very considerate of him and she was only a little weirded out by that. Eryyi had jumped off her shoulder and skipped on ahead, so it was a little like they were following the cute little thing to where she was taking them. Darcy didn't think the little critter would lead them into danger at all and Loki had said that this planet was probably the safest one around. Darcy and Loki stopped for a moment as a bunch of children passed them giggling and playing with some items Darcy didn't recognise. Must be Light Elf toys. Darcy smiled as she watched them, though she couldn't help but remember Ebony. Their fictional child. Her smile dropped and she didn't realise she had slowed down to a stop until Loki was leaning down in front of her, asking what was wrong.
"I just…I know she wasn't real, but I guess it's going to take some time to stop feeling sad about Ebony," Darcy murmured softly. Loki reached out and cupped her face with his hand before taking something out of his pocket, putting it into her hand.
"I was not sure when to give it to you; you were quite angry with me after the second reality," Loki said. Darcy took it and stared down at it. A photograph. Loki and her in the bed together, holding Ebony in her arms. Her hand clapped her face as she felt the tears spring out of her eyes in a sudden sob.
"Oh my God," Darcy whispered. "When did you…how?"
"I do not need a device to create pictures from memory. Magic can do a lot of things…I suppose if you wish for an easier explanation, it would be like taking a picture within the pensieve with your own memories," Loki explained.
"In Harry Potter?" Darcy asked.
"Yes," Loki said. Silence fell between them before she wrapped her arms around him tightly.
"Thank you," Darcy said, feeling his arms reciprocate lightly. "You're very thoughtful."
She carried on hugging him for a few moments before pulling away and staring down at the photo again. She placed it in a pocket and nodded to him. They carried on walking. She wasn't sure what the plan was or whether they were just searching randomly…Darcy had just learnt to roll with it these days. Considering they were still here, though, she imagined that he sensed something. Darcy couldn't imagine having such an ability. It sounded awesome. If only. They were walking through a forest again and it was peaceful. She felt her shoulders relax as she walked beside Loki, her unlikely…friend? She didn't know whether they were considered friends now. They'd been through so much together and she couldn't say she hated it either. Some was frightening, some was sad, but honestly? She'd never felt so alive in all her…
"You've GOT to be kidding me!" Darcy yelled suddenly, stopping. Loki looked back at her with a confused expression.
"What is the matter?" Loki asked.
"I missed my own birthday! Oh my God! How the hell? We were in there but it felt like longer…how does that work?!" Darcy said. Loki rubbed her hair.
"I missed mine as well, though I care not for such things. It is but another year," Loki said. "The months that have passed in reality must be the total amount of time we spent in the dream…everything else was pushed on by false memory. Both so closely intertwined, you would think it had been longer."
"How old are you, anyway?" Darcy asked. "If that isn't rude."
"Rude? Why would it be rude? I am one thousand and forty-seven years old," Loki said. "How about yourself?"
"Twenty-three now," Darcy said. "Yeah, some people find it rude to ask another person's age on Earth."
"You are a strange bunch," Loki said. "The older you are the better. Some do not consider me good enough to teach magic based solely on my age, however I have always been considerably gifted in magic, so a show of my powers never failed to change minds."
"So not arrogant at all, huh?" Darcy said.
"I suppose by your standards, but Thor would say the same. Given that he is a hero among your people, I would think that is no bad thing?" Loki said. Darcy shrugged.
"Tony Stark is an arrogant asshole a lot of the time and a hero. People have a love-hate relationship with him," Darcy explained. "Heroes aren't perfect; no one is. Some even have had to bring themselves up from a bad state in order to make a difference to the world and save it. Heroes don't even have to have actually saved anyone, either. It's all about the intent. That's why I think you are a hero, in some respects. It seems like you were pretty good before you lapsed into crazy town, and you've not left me to die yet. You were diplomatic with those you don't seem to care for, and you even helped them and others. You're a good person, Loki. But you don't have to be perfectly likable. I know I'm not."
Loki cupped her face and stared into her eyes with a no-nonsense look in his eyes. It was things like this that made her feel something. Something far different than the hatred she'd had for him when he first kidnapped her. It wasn't Stockholm syndrome, either; she was sure he would have taken her home if she truly insisted.
"You are a delight to travel with, Darcy. If the circumstances were different, I am sure we would have been perfect for each other," Loki said with a crooked smile. She felt both warmed and yet saddened by his words, something deep inside her hurt to hear that. She didn't know why. He let her go and took her by the hand. "I will take you to the main city, which is where we need to go."
Darcy nodded. She felt Eryyi land on her shoulder before they disappeared and appeared in a large and very beautiful city. Her mouth dropped open and her eyes went wide. It was truly majestic, all white and glowing, though not in the way that would blind someone. The buildings were not in the trees like in the village they were in before, but white stone or maybe something like ivory buildings, some of them surrounded by little streams. The main path through, leading to the beautiful palace far in the distance, was lined with the same streams. It was almost like seeing a mini venice, just not quite so terrifying since it would barely rise above her ankles. There was also a lot of green in the shape of trees and other nature, along with plenty of flowers. Truly a sight to behold. Loki led her along the long path, and looking around, she could imagine the city creating a beautiful intricate pattern if it were to be seen from above.
"This is beautiful," Darcy said.
"It is indeed," Loki said. Darcy couldn't help but spend the whole time walking towards the palace staring all around her, simply marvelling at the sight. It took some time, but when the palace came closer, she was awestruck. Two palaces she had seen now. It was hilarious that she had seen alien palaces before seeing one of Earth. She looked up at Loki.
"Are we going in there?" Darcy asked. Loki smiled at her.
"Yes. I am good friends with the Queen…or rather, I was. Light Elves are usually rather forgiving, so I have a high hope. However, we will only reveal ourselves when we find her…we need not cause an incident. Or rather, I," Loki said. It made sense; he was supposed to be dead or at least in prison, depending on how fast news travelled.
"Does news travel quickly between planets?" Darcy asked.
"Alfheim, Vanaheim and Asgard are deeply connected. While they may not have heard of my supposed death, they will certainly know of my actions on Asgard, Midgard and of my imprisonment," Loki said. "Nidavellir hear what they need to hear. They are more distant, though not necessarily ignorant to the events of the eight realms. Midgard is of its own accord; we do not keep track of its activities nor get involved unless one of the eight realms interferes…even then, it is Asgard who are what you might call the universal police."
"Interesting," Darcy said. Stepping into the palace, Darcy couldn't work out whether she preferred Asgard's palace or this place. It was just too fairytale. Loki knocked on a door and heard a request to enter, which had them enter a very fancy room. Near an ornate dresser stood a woman who looked little older than herself with yellow-blonde ringlets and soft blue eyes. She looked like someone you could pour your heart out to and receive only warmth and love in return. Right now, she looked surprised to see Loki, and a little stern. Loki lowered himself to one knee, which Darcy copied, unsure whether it would be impolite not to.
"Queen Freyja," Loki said.
"Prince Loki," she returned. She looked at Darcy. "Lady Darcy, you may stand. While I appreciate your gesture, here on Alfheim such an act is reserved only for the guilty or dishonoured."
Darcy stood up slowly, a little embarrassed, but it slipped away quickly. She looked at Loki and instantly snickered, before looking around embarrassed again. "Sorry…I couldn't help myself. Um…I don't really know how to address the royalty of other planets."
Freyja smiled. "It is quite alright. You may address me as Freyja, for Alfheim is not so strict. Here we show respect to each other equally," Freyja said. "So relax." Darcy did. It was so easy. Freyja turned to Loki again.
"Your Majesty, I bid that we keep this between us for the time being. I am…well, I would rather no one know of my presence just yet," Loki said.
"You are considered dead to Asgard, yet you would seek to hurt them further?" Freyja asked.
"Temporarily, my Lady. First I am on a journey…a mission, if you like and I would like to ask you but a small favour," Loki said.
"Alfheim does owe you a lot…" Freyja said, as if it was unfortunate, but there was a playful undertone to her words.
"You owe me nothing, my lady. I never assist you or your people because I want something in return," Loki said.
"What is it you seek, Loki?" Freyja asked. Darcy noticed that Loki had not looked up from the floor once.
"Information. I am looking for an Infinity Gem, likely the Soul Gem," Loki said. Freyja laughed and it was musical.
"Oh, Loki. The Soul Gem has not been hidden. Alfheim does, however, hold the Time Gem. I speak this to you in the hopes that you have no further plans to fall back into your most recent habits. This darkness does not suit you, Loki. You do not possess the conviction and frame of mind to be such a monster," Freyja said.
"Quite ironic, really, considering I killed a man who said a similar thing," Loki said. Darcy's insides churned. He said it so casually. "And I am a monster, Freyja."
"Yes, I know, Loki. He was a good man," Freyja said. "You are only a monster if you let yourself be one. If you want to be one. Do you want to be a monster, Loki?"
"No," Loki said. "I have no bad intentions with the Gem. I promise."
"Then you will find the Gem you seek in the White Lake, which you can find only if your intentions are pure," Freyja said.
"Thank you. It is good to see the Gem is well-hidden," Loki said.
"How many have you found so far?" Freyja asked.
"All but the Soul and the Time Gems," Loki answered. Freyja smiled.
"I am sure you will find them soon enough," Freyja said. "Go on, Loki. Come back only when you have stopped your lies to your family." Darcy could feel the tension in Loki.
"Yes, my Lady," Loki said.
"They are your family, Loki, even if your old man is rather in need of a talking to. Perhaps I will lend a hand there someday," Freyja smiled a little wickedly. Darcy liked her a lot. Loki stood and nodded, taking Darcy's hand again.
"Farewell, until next time," Loki said, before they left in a matter of seconds, reappearing in a forest. Darcy was quiet, pondering over the recent conversation. The sheer bluntness had somehow really affected her and she wasn't sure why. She felt like there was something more to the story. Darcy looked up at Loki.
"Who?" Darcy asked. He raised an eyebrow at her.
"What?" Loki said.
"Who did you kill? I mean, this guy who you referred to before," Darcy asked, a little afraid of the answer.
"A man named Coulson," Loki answered. "Why do you ask? You already know that I regret my actions."
Darcy blinked. It was the guy who stole her iPod and never gave it back. She wasn't sure how to feel, really.
"You spoke so bluntly, it…scared me," Darcy said lamely. "You speak as if it were just a matter of the weather."
Loki shrugged. "I cannot erase what I did, Darcy. Not with the Time Gem…nothing. Death is something I have never been shy to; I am a warrior and I have killed many people and beings, though before my attempt on Jotunheim, never in cold blood. Even then, there were accidents and deaths that could not be prevented, that were not entirely our fault and yet we feel responsible. Thor―" Loki said.
"Knock it off with all the Thor this and Thor that! I don't know why you keep comparing yourself to him, but it's really pissing me off. You are you. Thor doesn't define you. Or shouldn't. Maybe he does…maybe this is where all of this stems from. You're your own person and yet…" Darcy said. She let out a sigh. "Your world just seems like this big ball of violence and war, no different to Earth…you're not Gods, you're just stronger, immortal beings who are far too dangerous for such powers and yet…" Tears dropped down her cheeks. "You scare me, this all scares me and I'm at your mercy. It's terrifying."
She said nothing more, just made a gesture that she couldn't be here anymore before running off in the direction they had intended to go. She ran and ran, because there was a reason he had not just teleported straight to the lake. It meant that he couldn't teleport there, so slightly less chance of him catching her so quickly. It wasn't really meant to be as she could hear him not far behind her. Probably not catching up deliberately. Stupid fast magic man. She pushed herself to go faster and quickly burnt herself out, falling down into the grass in a clearing. She lay there breathing heavily and saw Loki in her peripheral.
"Go away. Leave me alone. I need some space!" Darcy said. He walked out of her peripheral, though she didn't know how far he went nor could she read his expression. Looking dead ahead of herself, she saw that she had fallen in a stunning place. A large, glittering lake surrounded by trees that looked like they were from a fantasy novel. The trunks were a dark blue and the leaves were white and she couldn't tell whether they were glowing or whether she was imagining it. All she knew was that it was beautiful. Darcy didn't know how long she lay there before finally sitting up and pulling her knees to her chest.
"Darcy―" Loki started. She put her hand up and gave him the middle finger before returning it to her knees. She wasn't in the mood for him. She sat there for a moment staring at the lake. This must be it, where the Time Gem was. Maybe she would grab it and use it to bribe him to take her home. She stood up and kicked her shoes and socks off, realising she was still in the silly Asgardian clothes. Who was she kidding…it was freakin' hot! But she wasn't as enthusiastic as usual. Darcy felt sadness swelling within her and she wasn't sure why. What was she grieving over? Coulson wasn't someone she knew very well other than the brief time in New Mexico, so it couldn't really be that. It was something else. She carried on towards the lake, but she looked down at her dress and little armour piece, sighing. Darcy looked around and saw Loki a little way back.
"Turn around unless you want me to tase your balls off," Darcy said fiercely. Loki frowned petulantly, but turned around. His damn fault for making her taser stronger, otherwise he wouldn't be affected now, right? Idiot. She managed to take the armour off and then the dress, letting them fall to the floor. She took her underwear off, every so often making sure Loki kept to his word. Leaving that with her dress, she waded into the lake slowly, getting to a point where a little of her breasts were covered. Darcy didn't know what was in this water, but it was suddenly becoming clear to her. Why she felt this sadness. Now that she was here, it seemed all too obvious; how had she not noticed before?
She loved him.
She scrunched up her face and tried to stop the tears. You will not cry. Don't cry in front of him. Don't give him the satisfaction. The worst part was, he wouldn't return her feelings. Did she want him to? She didn't want these feelings to start with.
You are a delight to travel with, Darcy. If the circumstances were different, I am sure we would have been perfect for each other.
Darcy raised her hands to her face and tried to dab at the tears…but her hands were wet, so it was useless. They dropped to her sides as the sobbing took its full course. She didn't want this. She didn't need this. Why her? Why was she so stupid? Falling in love with the God of Mischief and Lies. A man she had grown to trust and yet, could she? He wouldn't return her feelings; he already said that he couldn't be with her under these circumstances. She wanted to scream. She didn't hear the shift in the water until Loki was right in front of her, looming over her, leaving her staring at his bare chest. She looked up at him, still sobbing.
"Wh..why…get out…" Darcy uttered, unable to get anything out. Why was he naked? "Whe…where are your clothes?"
"I phased out of them," Loki answered unhelpfully, making her hit him in the chest, but that only made her retract her hand as if burnt.
"Eugh," Darcy said. "Go away." She couldn't stop sobbing. His chest felt good. Damn him. Then he had the audacity to put his hands on her back and pull her against him.
"The White Lake is a lake of truth and purity, clothes are not really appropriate to enter the lake," Loki answered properly.
"Sure," Darcy said, sniffling and ignoring how good it felt to be in his arms.
"Darcy, whatever is the matter?" Loki asked.
Before she knew what she was doing, she answered him honestly. "You wouldn't understand. I'm in love with you and it hurts, because I know it's just…it can't happen…won't happen," Darcy said, her voice thick with emotion. Silence fell between them and she felt uncomfortable being so close to him. Especially with both of them naked. Luckily she had her arms squeezed in front of her. The perv couldn't feel her breasts, at least. Score one to her. She felt him pull back and she felt regretful. She wanted the closeness back and she cursed herself for it. His hands left her back and cupped her face, making her face him. She couldn't read his expression. Normally she was very good at reading people, but he was the most difficult so far. Then he was leaning down and kissing her. She let out a gasp and he wrapped his arms around her. He hadn't even taken advantage of the moment she opened her mouth; the kiss was innocent, gentle and if he wasn't holding her up, she probably would have fallen over, her knees felt like jelly. She relaxed a little and wound her arms around him, which gave him the opportunity to pull her closer. Mouth-to-mouth and chest-to-chest (mostly, he was a little taller than her), it felt…she felt physical feelings she had never really experienced before.
He pulled back, which gave her the opportunity for air. He just stared into her eyes for a few moments before kissing her again and she reached up, putting her fingers into his long hair and just brushing them through it. It was soft and surprisingly silky. She barely registered when he wasn't kissing her mouth anymore, but she soon felt the wonderful sensations left by his kisses down her neck. She squeezed her legs shut even more as she felt the kisses send jolts south. She wanted him. They weren't dating, she didn't even know how to label their relationship, but she wanted him. So much. He stopped kissing her above the dip that led between her breasts and looked up at her.
"Why did you stop?" Darcy asked breathlessly.
"Do you really want this?" Loki asked.
"Yes…all of it…I want you, Loki. Please," Darcy whispered. The tears had dried. Loki straightened up again to kiss her lips.
"Truly? This is not the tears talking?" Loki asked. Was he…making sure he wasn't taking advantage of her vulnerable state?
"Yes, I want you," Darcy said softly. "Just…gently."
"So you are a virgin?" Loki asked, teasing in his tone. She hit him in the chest.
"Yes, perv. I am," Darcy said, before Loki took her lips again and deepened it this time. Holy…he could kiss. He could definitely kiss. She was sure he could finish her with just his lips and tongue. He then took his ministrations down her chin, slowly down her throat and her collarbone, going down and, well, she couldn't blame him for remaining at her breasts for a slightly longer amount of time, before carrying on downwards. It must be magic that allowed him to dip under the water. Down, down, dow-
Darcy found her hands holding onto his head and her legs somewhat wrapped around him as he sent her reeling. She would have expressed a few profanities if her voice hadn't left her. All these feelings and he was only using his tongue. Silvertongue indeed. She found herself shuddering and she lost her grip on his head even before he surfaced from the water, making a bit of a flail as she landed in the water some more. She sincerely hoped she hadn't spoilt the mood there. She felt him pick her up and right her, reaching down to kiss her. She should be repulsed, because she knew where that mouth had been, but it didn't taste any different…the pure water really was magical. She tried to lift her legs up to wrap them around him, but she was still jelly-legged after that experience. He helped her out, thankfully and she wrapped her arms around his neck, feeling him as she kissed him. Loki was gentle, as she had asked, and it was nothing like what she had imagined all those lonely nights in college.
If someone had asked her months ago, back before she had met him or even just after, she wouldn't have pegged him to be such an attentive lover. Then again, she wouldn't have really known what to say about him. Probably along the lines of him being unable to get anyone desperate enough that they'd sleep with him. Did that make her the desperate one? No, because she had gotten to know him and she…she loved him.
"Do not panic, trust my magic," Loki whispered in her ear. She nodded and kissed his neck as he let them both fall back into the water, diving underneath as they moved together. It was a strange experience, being able to breathe while underwater, but it was beautiful. They were floating (was that the word when you were underwater? Honestly, she wasn't sure) into the deeper parts, and it was magnificent. The water was crystal clear and it looked like one of those exotic ocean floors, except this was a lake. Mind-boggling. To top it all off, his hair fanned out in a rather lovely way. She wasn't able to think anymore, though, as the feelings in her body took over her mind and she kissed his neck, for the lack of much else she could reach as she felt the familiar feeling build up for the second time in…how long was it? She didn't know. She couldn't think. They lay in some sort of silky exotic plant and it wasn't long until she felt her toes curl…
Oh my…
Once separated, he pulled her closer again to just hold. They lay there quietly for a little while before he stood up (water made it look so easy!) and he bent his knees, shooting them up to the surface. He was a great swimmer and it made her look like she couldn't swim. Loki carried her out of the water and sat down on a bed of flowers, lying down and pulling her on top of him. Darcy didn't feel cold either, so that must be more magic. She lay with her head tucked under his chin. He was stroking her back lazily, which felt nice.
"That was…wonderful," Loki murmured.
"It was," Darcy breathed, stroking his collarbone. Darcy liked that he was strong and had some tone, but wasn't overly muscley. He was handsome, dark-haired and those green eyes…she was probably ruined for anyone else. She found she didn't care right now. Darcy was content.
"Where's Eryyi?" Darcy asked.
"I highly doubt she would care to watch humanoids procreating, hm?" Loki teased.
"True…" Darcy said. Then the words settled and she realised something. She started to sit up quickly. "Shit we didn't use―"
Loki pulled her back down. "I have a spell on me that prevents pregnancy," Loki said. Darcy sighed in relief and rested her head back on his chest.
"Can we just stay here for a bit? A few days maybe?" Darcy asked. "Just...I don't know."
"Of course, I think we need a break. We can also look for the Time Gem in the meantime," Loki said. "For now…relax."
Darcy smiled and closed her eyes. "Thank you," Darcy murmured.
Author's note: Chapter title borrowed from a song title from Final Fantasy X, "Suteki da ne" and to be honest if you've seen the sequence from that game with that song, then you can see where I was inspired. :D
