The following morning, the sun rises on the lake, and the birds are chirping. At the house, Loki stare's at the lake with his eyes red and puff, motionless; as he reflects on it, he blames himself for his choices. Inside the house, Thor watches his brother as he feels sorry for him. Harisa enters the living room but stops as she sees Thor leaning on the glass door. She slowly walks towards him, noticing that Loki is still outside, and asks, "Couldn't sleep?"
"No," whispered Thor.
Harisa pauses briefly as she glances at Loki and then back at Thor. "He's been there all night, hasn't he?"
Thor nods his head. "At first, all he did was hold onto the blanket and wept for hours. But, a few hours ago, he looked at the box and was looking through it. Harisa, what else is inside the box?"
"Colora's memories." Liam quietly walks down the stairs and listens to their conversation. "Pictures, letters, mementos of everything unique to Colora. Memories of both Loki and Liam. Ever since Colora disappeared, Liam would look at the pictures of her and imagine what her life must have been like."
Thor pauses for a moment. "Does he know?"
"I don't think so. Colora was very private about it. She only told Liam about the good deeds but never said who he was. I think he assumes Loki is only her best friend. But no, I don't think Liam knows Loki is his father." Liam quietly turns to the front door and opens it. Harisa then turns to the kitchen counter and asks him, "I'm going to make some coffee. Would you like some? Or would you like one of our Vanir specialty teas?"
"I'll have some coffee, thank you," Thor replied. Harisa smiles and turns to the counter. Thor watches Harisa.
A few seconds later, from the bushes, Liam slowly approaches Loki. He speaks softly, "Mr. Odinson?". Loki is numb and motionless as he is still upset. He has turned out himself from the world. Liam takes a step closer and speaks a little louder. "Mr. Odinson?" Loki quickly turns to his right as he finally hears someone calling his name. He sees Liam standing a few feet away from him, waving. "Good morning."
"Oh, good morning Liam," says Loki.
Liam glances down and smiles. "I see you've been looking through mother's memory box."
Loki looks down at the box and then puts it down to his left. "Yes, I'm sorry. Forgive me. I was -"
"It's alright. I do it a lot now since mother's gone."
They sigh and glance away from each other. Loki then gestures next to him.
"Would you like to sit down?"
"Sure, thank you." Loki moves over slightly as Liam sits down next to him. They look at the sunrise. "Sometimes, mother and I would watch the sun rises together."
Loki turns to Liam and asks, "Really?"
Liam nods his head. Loki turns his head slightly as he is shocked to hear that Colora shared something that they did something that they used to do on Asgard. "What is your favorite part about it?"
"That we can talk about anything," Liam replied. "About what's bothering us, anything on our mind."
Loki silently wheezes as he knows a similar feeling. "So did we." Liam turns to Loki. "Your mother and I, we, she would come to visit Asgard. When she wanted to talk, your mother and I would always watch the sunsets together."
"Really?"
"Yes."
Liam hesitates but asks, "Did you know my father, Mr. Odinson?"
"Yes. I did," Loki replied.
"What was he like?"
Unsure how to describe himself to Liam, he puts delicately. "He. He was a very good man, but your father made mistakes that he wishes he could have taken back. That he could fix."
"What do you mean?"
"Years ago, your father tried to do what was right, but it only worsened things."
"Ah, well, why didn't he ask mother for help?"
"He felt that he would have been judged and she would be angry at him."
"For doing something bad? Even if it meant trying to help -"
"Yes, but what he was doing wasn't necessarily for the right reason." They pause for a moment. "Has your mother ever said anything about him?"
"A few times, but she doesn't like to talk about him that much," Liam replied.
"What did she tell you about him?" Loki asked.
"Similar to what you said. Mother said that father, even though he made mistakes, she loved him. I asked her why, but she said regardless of his flaws, she knew good was still in him. I feel that she was right. My father is a good person, but he made mistakes because he was hurt by something."
Loki sighs slightly as he feels even more emotional that Colora still trusted him. "Mr. Odinson, could you tell me their story? About them? About their love and why they loved each?"
"Sure." Liam scoots closer to him.
"Over a thousand years ago, your mother and your grandfather, King Freyr, went to Asgard for an important meeting. And while her father and King Odin were in a forum, Colora tried to make friends with the other children. However, none of the other children would talk to her."
"Why?"
"Because your mother, well, she was not only a Vanir. She was very different compared to them. She was, as you could say, very gifted and unique. But to some of the other children, it made them feel uncomfortable. All but one. Your father."
Past - Loki's memory
Young Loki sees Young Colora crying and approaches her. She's hesitant at first until he takes out his hand. She looks at him and feels reassured as she takes his. Loki continued, "He was just like her. But your mother would always prove to him that she was better, and she was. She was the most powerful sorceress in the nine realms and the most cunning and fiercest warrior this realm has ever known."
Young Loki and Colora practice fighting against each other. After she beats him, he is impressed by her. Later, they sit down and watch the sunset. As they do, Colora leans her head against his shoulder. Loki feels shocked but is happy that Colora is on his shoulder. "Your mother and father were thick as thieves. Always during the summer, hanging out and playing together. Telling each other stories of their history."
Present
"But one day, she left and didn't return until thirteen years ago," Loki continued.
Liam asks, "She didn't come to visit father for 1,000 years? How come?"
"Well, your grandfather wanted her to focus on her royal duties and learn everything she needed to know about the nine realms to become Queen one day. But that wasn't her passion. Her passion was fighting and learning everything about the mortals here on Midgard."
"Just like me!" Loki is slightly confused by what he means. "I am more fascinated with their history than their modern-day technology or fashion. However, I am impressed with everything else humans come up with."
They chuckle for a moment. Loki continues, "Anyway, your mother wanted to return to Asgard, but she couldn't. Your father was so afraid that he would never see his best friend again. Before he met your mother, he felt isolated and alone and couldn't make friends except with the animals. But one day, King Odin asked your grandfather to have Colora join the royal council as Senator for Vanaheim and to help continue the diplomacy for him."
Past - Loki's memory.
Loki reflects on the day Colora returned to Asgard. He continues, "Once your father heard that she returned, he was so happy to see her again. The idea that his best friend had returned to Asgard not only meant he would be able to spend time with her. Her return allowed him to tell her how he felt toward her. Even though he was timid and nervous about how your mother would react and he didn't know if she had feelings for someone else or was engaged to be married. But Colora..." Memories of Loki and Colora during the time she was in Asgard and the times they spent together. Loki could see that Colora was happy. "...she wasn't engaged or seeing anyone.
"But wasn't that a good thing?" asked Liam.
"But it was a good thing for him but also a problem."
Memories of Thor trying to pursue her and Colora resisting him appears in his mind. Loki's jealousy and anger toward Thor. "For his brother had a crush on your mother. That drove your father mad."
A memory of Loki in his study, pacing appears in his head. "So your father plotted to get his brother to commit a serious crime without knowing his involvement. But not long after that, King Odin confided to him who his true family lineage came from. That was his breaking point."
The memory of how he used the frost giants to ruin the coronation and sees Thor's reaction as he loses his temper.
"So one day, he lured the Frost Giants of Jotunheim to Asgard to ruin the coronation as a distraction -"
Present
"Then your brother suggested fighting the frost giants, but it got him exiled for his arrogance?" Liam interrupted.
Loki raises his eyebrow slightly, impressed that his son caught up with what "Thor" did. He hesitates but answers, "Yes. After his brother was sent to Midgard..."
Past - Loki's memory
Memories of Tho's banishment, Loki is becoming king after he put Odin in a sleep-like state, proposing to Colora, then fighting with Thor when he returned appear in his mind. "Your father proposed to your mother, and she said yes. But even then, it wasn't long before your mother was suspicious of your father's behavior. So she searched for clues, answers to the truth about what he had done. Once she did and confronted him about it, he confessed to her that he only did it because he didn't want to lose her. His final plan was to destroy Jotunheim, but when his brother returned to stop him, they fought until his brother destroyed the bridge."
Loki is dangling on Odin's scepter and stares at Colora crying, sad she sees him letting go and falling into the black hole. "When his brother was trying to save him, your father thought your mother deserved better, so he sacrificed himself and fell into the portal made from the Bifrost."
Present
Loki stares at the lake. "That broke your mother's heart. Even more so when she found out he wasn't dead." Liam sees the look in Loki's eyes and feels sympathetic to his telling.
Past - 11 years ago
Loki is brought before Thanos after being discovered. Loki continues, "For the portal took him to another part of the universe. There he was held prisoner and almost killed by Thanos. Your father pleaded with Thanos to spare his life and that he would do anything Thanos needed if."
Liam hesitates to ask, "If what?"
Present
Loki answers, "If he would not harm anyone he loved."
Liam has tears in his eyes as he realizes the truth. "Mother," he says softly.
Loki notices the sadness in Liam's eyes and is ashamed of himself. "Yes."
Liam looks down. "After he was ordered to retrieve the space stone and bring it to him."
"Space stone? The infinity stones?"
"How do you know about them -"
"When I was little, I saw mom looking at some images on the computer, and I saw the blue stone. The space stone. I didn't get the chance to ask mother about it, but when I asked Aunt Harisa. She told me that mother was searching for them. Mr. Odinson, when did mother find out that father survived?"
"After your father was manipulated by Thanos and sent to Earth, where the infinity stone was kept."
Past - Loki's memories
Loki attacked Germany and encountered with Colora after his disappearance. "As soon as the Avengers and Thor captured him, Colora pleaded with him to tell the Avengers where the stone is and to return to Asgard. But he refused. So she left. When Thor returned him to Asgard, Odin sentenced him to prison for life and was never to see mother ever again."
Present
"But that didn't stop her, did it?" Liam asked as he raised his eyebrow at Loki. Knowing that he knows how his mother acts.
Loki nods and answers, "Yes. After your father was sentenced, your mother went to the prison cell to see him twice to get him to talk, but he only said a few things to confide to her what happened to him. But it wasn't until he sacrificed himself to save my brother and Jane Foster, who he was dating then, and your mother from the Dark Elves that he told her everything. That moment shattered her heart."
Liam sheds a tear as he looks away briefly. "I wish she would have told me. Why? Why wouldn't she tell me?"
"To protect you. Just like when she decided to send you away to protect you from Thanos." Liam nods his head.
"Liam, there's more. After your mother left him, a guard came to the realm to bring back Thor, but the guard found something else. He found that your father faked his death. You see he -"
"You decided to fake your death to get revenge on grandfather." Loki looks at Liam and is shocked. Liam continued,
"So you went back to Asgard, took over the throne for five years, then fought alongside Uncle Thor to fight against your sister Hela to cause Ragnarok. You and my Uncle took the civilians and were off to Earth until Thanos found your ship and attacked. That's when Thor sent all except those who chose to stay and fight against Thanos and his army to Earth for safety. However, before preparing to fight, you decided to fake your death again, hence why you're here."
Loki stutters, "Well, sort of, but...Liam, how did you -"
"I had a feeling for a while after Aunt Harisa and Uncle Dellinger brought you home five years ago. And I overheard Uncle Thor talking about you. But to be honest. I wasn't sure until last night when I saw the look in your eyes." Loki covers his eyes and begins to cry. Liam pats his father on the back. "Hey, it's okay."
"No, it's not," says Loki as he turns to Liam. "I was selfish and only thought about myself. After I learned she was sent to live here on Earth, I wanted to tell your mother the truth. I search for her everywhere every day. Liam, if I knew that she had you, I would have -"
"I know. You made mistakes, but you're my father. No matter what."
Loki silently sighs as he feels so many emotions after he hears his son say that. "Dad. I love you."
"I love you too, son." Liam begins to cry. Loki pulls his son close, hugs him, and then they cry together.
Dellinger and Perseus walk to the kitchen counter to get breakfast inside the house. Harisa turns to Perseus and says, "Morning, your grace."
"Morning, Harisa," says Perseus. "Thor.
Thor turns and acknowledges him as he says, "Perseus."
Dellinger comes from behind and kisses Harisa. He says, "Good morning. Did you sleep alright?"
Harisa smiles at him.
Thor notices them and is shocked. He asks, "When did you two, you know -"
Harisa replied. "A few years ago. Well, ever since we returned to Asgard ten years ago. It started slow; then it just went on from there."
"That's nice," says Thor.
"Yeah, we're engaged to be married now," Harisa replied.
"Awe, Harisa."
"Congratulations," says Perseus.
"Thank you," she replied as she puts cups of coffee down. She then glances to the side as she notices Liam with Loki. "Oh my god."
"What?" asks Thor.
"Look at that," says Harisa.
Everyone turns their heads toward the window and is shocked. "Is that Liam?" asks Dellinger.
"I think so," Perseus replied.
They glance at each other again, except Thor. "I think they know the truth," Thor commented.
Loki lets go of Liam, and they wipe the tears from their eyes. "I promise we will get her back," swears Loki. "And I will never leave you ever again."
"I'll hold you to that," says Liam.
Loki chuckles as he hugs his son once more then they stand up. Loki picks up the blanket and memory box in his left hand and holds Liam's hand with his other right hand. Loki says, "Come on."
Liam smiles and then takes his father's hand.
