***Author's Note: My apologies, I had a new chapter written, however, my hard disk stopped working and I lost everything. Please bear with me. Also, Nari, second son, is not a few months old, he is actually five days old, my apologies. Please enjoy!***
The healer didn't check on her until the next day. She came into the medical room to see if Sigyn was awake. Sigyn was staring off into the distance.
"How are we feeling this morning?" The healer pulled up a chair to sit next to her. The silence from Sigyn let her know. "We have given you some more fluids that contain vitamins. Your body has taken in two bags so far, is there any else I can do?"
"I am okay," Sigyn turned to her with a somber smile. "I must have needed them. I have been trying to take care of myself." A tear rolled down her cheek. She swiped it away. "How far along am I with child?"
"Three months," the healer sympathized with her.
Sigyn placed a hand over her lower abdomen. She let out a sadden laugh. "My sons were taken away from me, turned to ash before my eyes and in my arms. Their father possibly dead. The last time I met with him was a loving reunion. He left several gifts before needing to go back to make sure Asgard arrived to a safe place. He left me with a gift once more. A god of mischief until the end." She laughed once more.
The Healer could only give a comforting smile. She switched subjects. "The Midgardian healer and I have made a list of items that you will need. You may have them already but we want to make sure." She handed her a written list.
Sigyn took it, reading over the words before thanking the healer. "Are there items needed here?" The healer was a bit surprised. "This grief, this loss, all of us must get over it in time, but rebuilding can take our minds off of things. Asgard calls me All Mother, I will not let Asgard suffer again. This time I am not in hiding." This time the healer started to cry. "We all have lost things we are unable to recover. It is hard on all of us. I have not let anyone know that I am unable to find my parents as well." More tears rolled down her cheeks. "We have lost so much."
The Healer clutched Sigyn's hand. "My lady." She squeezed her hand. "We will get through this troubled time. We can rebuild. We can start over. Watching you arrive on a winged horse with Sleipnir by your side has filled our hearts with so much hope that we believe we can keep going. When we learned Odin was Loki, we knew then knew the maid that was following him around was you. When you came as yourself pregnant about to give birth, we remembered the guard who was next to you, we learned that it was Loki. Our views of him has always been of a mischievous man but he helped Asgard rebuild after the fight with the Dark Elves. He came to save us with a vessel large enough to take in all of Asgard. We are thankful to have him as our King. He even tried to save as many of us as when he could. Take your time healing."
Sigyn and the rest of those who were spared from the snap tried to deal with the current loss that turned to ash before them and the souls in the Soul stone were waking up in their new environment.
Instead of feeling on the brink of death, coughing out his life, Loki woke up as if he had a good night's sleep. He opened his eyes to view with an amber sky with similar colored clouds. He was lying on the ground of water that reflected the sky. His hands reached for his neck to feel if there was any pain. No pain or stinging feeling when he prodded it. Taking a breath did not hurt his ribs. He was in a place he never thought he would end up. He was in the Soul Stone. He was in the Soul World.
Loki rolled over. He rested on his arms. He viewed his surroundings. "No!" He slammed his fist onto the water. It made a ripple but no splash. He rose up in distraught. If he was in the same area where he was snapped that meant he was still close to where Asgard used to be. He needed to get there. Loki started to head into that general direction in a run. He didn't tire as he kept running. He needed to know who was snapped as well. He only paused when he switched directions. Loki still felt no fatigue. He saw the outline of his home. He picked up the pace.
A little home amongst the amber lit sky squeezed at his heart. It was out in the open and not hidden. This made it worse. He had found that hiding place for a reason.
"Sigyn!" He called out searching the surrounding area before stopping at the door. He hesitated at grabbing the handle and opening the door. If she didn't respond that must have meant she wasn't over on this side. It was a bit of relief, but he wouldn't know if it was the truth until he opened the door. He took a breath in as he swung open the door. "Sigyn?" His voice almost cracked calling out her name.
He entered the house. It was empty as the response he had gotten. He searched the rooms until he reached the master bedroom. "Da-da!" The voice of his son made him stop abruptly. He looked down to see his two sons on the floor.
Loki choked on his gasp. He was brought down on his knees as his eldest son crawled towards him. He scooped up Nari who was asleep. His other hand reached out towards Vali who put his little hand out as well. Loki scooped him up into his arm as well. He held them tightly to his chest.
Sigyn would never leave their sons alone. This meant she survived the snap and their sons didn't. He kissed both of them. Loki placed them in their cribs. He checked their bottoms to see if they needed tending. They were both fine. Vali yawned as he stared at his father. Loki chuckled at the sight of his son trying to stay awake while holding onto his toys he wanted to show his father. Loki tucked his son, giving him another kiss on the forehead.
He sat down on the bed, letting the emotions set in. This place that held so much life and memories but now it was just an empty house, soulless in the soul world.
In the room, it seemed as if it was lived in. Sigyn's side was not made. Her robe was casted onto the chair next to the cribs. Toys were strewn about. He did not feel tired but sleeping upon the bed in the house that made him feel safe and free would help with the current situation. He got up to lay on top of the covers, leaning on one side. He stared at the opposite side of the bed, reaching his hand out. There was no warmth. He knew better than to hope for that. It was not a time to sleep but it would make him feel a bit better.
The cries of Nari woke Loki up from sleep. "It's my turn, you stay asleep." Loki opened his eyes to see an empty bedside. He turned his towards the crib where the cries were coming from. He picked up Nari, gently rocking him back and forth, speaking sweet words to him to get Nari settled down. This woke up Vali, who wanted to be held as well. Loki tried putting down Nari, but Nari started to cry. Loki clutched Nari back to him as he headed over to the other crib. He picked up Vali, rocking him as well.
He gave them a smile before he started to sing them a nursery rhyme. "Sun outside, sun inside, sun in the heart, sun in the mind, Sun only Sun!" He repeated singing the rhyme while moving around the room until he had both of them soothed and one with a smile. "There's the smiles." He brought them over to the chair. Vali was in his wooden high chair, while Nari was in a wooden bassinet. "I hope you are not hungry; I know I am not." He looked around the kitchen to see if the food was stocked. He found some rolled oats. It only took a few minutes to make oatmeal. He tried feeding Vali, but Vali didn't want any food. He tried a few different times but Vali pushed it away with his hands. "Alright, you're not famished. Father, was just worried about you." He tried giving some water to Nari, but Nari was the same. It gave him some relief. He looked back to the food he made and it vanished.
He opened the cupboards to see the ingredients were back there again. He opened another to see the utensils, bowls, and bottles. "Since none of us are hungry, let's enjoy our time here, shall we?" He let Vali down to crawl around. He wanted to have time with his children and now he does, forever for eternity in the Soul World.
He could see how Sigyn lived in their home. Where she placed things, how she decorated, what she was doing when he was not around, gave him a complacent feeling. He grabbed a book she must have been reading. It was placed next to her bedstand. He started to read when Vali crawled over to him. He let out sigh, placing the book back down. "How does your mother contain the two of you?" He placed his hands down for Vali. Vali grabbed onto his fingers. "Especially you. Crawling everywhere, trying to walk, grabbing things that are not yours." Vali was fascinated by the fingers. Loki smiled down at his son.
Outside, other souls were wandering about. On one side, a group was coming from Titan and the other side a group from Earth.
The group from Titan had been walking the longest.
"How long have we been traveling?" Mantis was still confused on the area. It seemed like they were going in circles.
"Everything looks the same," Drax felt the same.
"My suit isn't giving me any correct data," Peter Parker kept trying to make it work.
"It won't," Doctor Strange explained. He had been explaining the Soul World to them for a while and it was not letting up. "Things work differently here." He tried not to groan.
"Are we really walking to Earth?" Peter Quill sighed.
"Once again, yes," Doctor Strange pinched the bridge of his nose. "We have enough time to meet with others while we are here."
The group from Earth had passed where Asgard used to flourish.
"We have travelled so long and yet none of us are tired," T'Challa glanced at the group.
"Why did we leave Earth again?" Sam glanced around the group.
"We need to see if Tony, Doctor Strange, Spiderman, and this thing's group survived the snap or not," Nick Fury reminded them. "Plus, I need to see if an asset survived the snap as well."
"All of this debris," Maria Hill touched big mounds of dirt.
"This doesn't look like asteroids or meteors," Wanda agreed.
"This one has been burned at a high temperature like an explosion," Shuri examined them. "The varieties of explosions seen on Earth do not match. Something much more powerful."
"Well let's not stay here too long," Sam made sure not to touch any of the debris. The group kept walking.
They finally met up with the other group. It was touching reunion between the Guardians; it was just direct with Spiderman and Doctor Strange with the rest of the group.
"So, Tony survived," Nick spoke with some relief but still a bit of tension.
"Along with Nebula," Mantis added.
"Captain America, Black Widow, Hawkeye, Ironman, Thor, and the Hulk, all survived," Maria was naming off the original team they recruited. "Along with James Rhodes, Okoye, M'Baku, Wong, and then Nebula and Rocket from your group." Peter Quill nodded. "Do you know where your asset is at? How are we going to navigate this world?"
"I spotted a cabin-cottage, place on the way here," Peter Parker piped up. "We can discuss in there and not in the open." His voice started to get a pitch higher with each word. "I mean, we don't have to, but it just seemed safer."
The group glanced around but it seemed logical. They followed Peter Parker where this place was at.
"It looks Norse," Bucky observed out loud. "We just came through debris that was charred."
"Thor had several emotions, lots of guilt and regret," Mantis spoke up.
"I am Groot," Groot explained.
The Guardians of the Galaxy bowed their heads.
"What did it just say?" Nick and the others were still confused by the tree creature.
"He said, Thor's home was destroyed," Peter Quill explained. "We rescued him from space. He was floating in the wreckage."
"I am Groot," Groot continued.
"He is the only survivor from his family, he lost his home, and barely got his powers back," Peter translated while he paused. The group followed suit.
The group fell silent. It wasn't until Sam spoke up about the other pressing issue.
"Who's going to make sure the house is empty?" Sam glanced around.
The group looked around at one another.
"I'll do it," Doctor Strange started to head over there. He knocked upon the door.
Loki heard the knock upon his door. He placed Nari and Vali in their cribs. A dagger slipped down from his cuff into his hand. He made no noise when he headed for the door. He could not trust the rest of the souls out there.
A knock came upon the door again. Loki stayed behind the door and let it open a few inches.
"I am sorry to disturb you, this may seem hard on you as it is, a new place, a feeling of loss and such, but we were wanting to use your place as a hold out before we head on again," Doctor Strange spoke in a gentle tone and explained in simple terms.
Loki knew that annoying voice. He rolled his eyes but kept his composure as he opened the door to look him straight in the eye. He gave a mocking smile with a mocking tone as he greeted him. "Well-well-well, if it isn't the sorcerer or should I say second rate magician, on my doorstep asking for a place to stay. There is a lot of space in this world and yet you come knocking on my door. Let me return the favor to your ever-gracious hosting when I was on Midgard." Loki slammed the door in his face.
Doctor Strange was taken aback. He had no words or reaction as he just learned that this person was dead.
"Was that Loki?" Sam kept his voice low. "Didn't Groot say Thor lost all his family? Why would he be here?"
Nick let out a sigh. "Let me help with this situation." He headed off leaving the group to talk amongst themselves.
"I am Groot," Groot scratched his chin.
"You did say Thor was the last of his family," Peter Quill didn't have much of a response.
"I am Groot," Groot continued.
"Yes, Thanos is not the type to leave someone alive," Peter Quill reassured him.
"I am Groot," Groot was puzzled.
"Thor was devastated. I don't think he knows his brother is alive but he also didn't survive the snap," Peter Quill shook his head.
"I am Groot," Groot forgot one piece of information.
"God of Mischief? That explains how he survived Thanos, but Thanos isn't one on tricks, must have had a really good one," Peter Quill examined the house.
"Loki?" Peter Parker glanced over to Shuri who made the same face. "Thor's brother, Loki? The one who killed eighty people in New York and was the leader in the Battle of New York against the Avengers, that Loki?"
"Thor did say he was adopted," Maria interjected.
"Oh my God," Peter Parker started to quicken his breath. "Is he going to do anything to us?"
"I highly doubt it," Maria sighed. "When he was on Earth last time, he was more helpful. He didn't cause much of a scene, but there were some incidents. Another Asgardian kept him in line. His guard who turned girlfriend, lover, what do Asgardian's call the people they are dating?"
"Loki had a girlfriend?" Peter Parker blinked slowly. "Was she, you know, like a groupie, like when those serial killers are in prison and they have fan girls?"
"I don't think Sigyn would be fond of being called a fan girl," Maria could understand where he is coming from, but it wasn't like that.
Nick didn't knock upon the door. "Loki, it's been a while. It's nice to see a familiar face. I don't suppose you have Sigyn with you?"
Doctor Strange raised an eyebrow, he that was unfamiliar. He also asked a question he was curious about. "Your child, Vali? Did he survive the snap?"
Loki hesitated before flinging the door back open. He clenched his fist. Asking about his wife and child did not sit well with him. "Director Nick Fury amongst the fallen, do you think your Avengers will actually avenge, again?" His voice dripped with animosity. "Second-rate magician on the other hand, I never got the chance to ask my lovely wife how the two of you met and here you are asking how my son is doing, so please elaborate how you have come to know them?"
Nick and Stephen stared at one another before looking back at the door with the same look.
"I met your wife and son in an ally in New York," Stephen kept a soothing voice. "She was headed back to Asgard. I felt the immense power she had and we spoke for a few minutes. She told me to be gentle with you, since fate has been so cruel."
"Loki, you and Sigyn had a son?" Nick was surprised but actually happy. Stephen now had a name to the lovely powerful woman he stopped in an ally way.
"Not just one, but two, we have two sons together," Loki casted his eyes down. He was about to say that he hoped he could have more, but that stung his heart so much his lips trembled and his eyes became watery. He stopped that thought before it kept hurting him.
"You said wife, so the two of you really got married?" Nick smiled as he tried to imagine their wedding. "I'm actually happy for the two of you. It may be late but congratulations." There was only silence from the other door. "Now, we came here to piece together all of the timeline with Thanos," Nick explained. "I am looking for an asset that I called before I turned to ash, hopefully she survived, if not well we will be stuck here for all eternity. One of the group members spotted your place, we hope that we can rest for a bit, discuss some more before heading off to see if this asset is still alive or not. Would you allow us to enter your home for the time being? It would be nice to catch up on what happened after the three of you left for Asgard."
Loki glanced at his two sons before casting his eyes off into a general direction to think. He could do without them for all eternity. He had his two sons whom were infants but it would still keep him busy.
"I will mention this here and now, and it only stays between us," Stephen let out a defeated sigh. "In five years, we won't be in here anymore and none of us will remember being here. Secrets, this home, and your children, none of us will have any recollection. Everything will be safe."
Nick was amused by this. His Avengers would avenge, again. Stephen knew that was the only slip of information he could give that would not affect the outcome. The two saw the door open to reveal Loki off to the side.
"There are rules, but I will allow you in," Loki gestured.
Nick nodded to Stephen who headed back to the group to let them know. This left Nick and Loki together. Nick wanted to know but he felt as if he knew the circumstance.
"She survived," Loki answered the silent questions for him. "My sons and I did not." Loki kept his composure. Bluffing was an easy skill for him.
The sympathy was shown all over Nick's face. "I-."
"Truly sorry?" Loki did a quick clench of his jaw. Nick nodded. "Maybe I'll gain more sympathy, when that freak got what he wanted, our second son was not even a week old, five days." Loki glanced back to view his children. "I prefer not to talk about how they may have disappeared from her. The rules are no one enters the master chamber or the nursery. I will allow who gets to hold them." Loki eyed Nick. He could see the group coming closer.
Nick understood. He could not imagine what Sigyn was going through at the moment. He just wished five years passed by like the next few seconds.
The group stopped by Nick Fury. Nick took the time to introduce everyone. "Everyone, this is Loki, brother of Thor, but also the one who brought the Chituri army in New York, allowing me to gather and form the Avengers. Loki has come a long way, and I am actually happy to see him again. He is allowing us to rest at his place, just follow his rules and everything shall be fine." Loki observed the group. "Loki, you know Maria Hill, Doctor Stephen Strange, Sam, Bucky, Wakanda King and Princess T'Challa and Shuri, Peter Parker, Wanda, and the Guardians of the Galaxy, Peter Quill, Mantis, Drax, and Groot. Let's get along for the time being."
"That's pirate angel baby's brother?" Drax muttered to Mantis. She nodded. "He looks like if the same pirate had a baby with a vampire. Pirate Vampire baby."
"He doesn't sparkle though," Shuri joked but became silence when T'Challa gave her a pointed look.
Loki didn't greet them but made the gesture of allowing them to enter into his home. Nick and Stephen went first followed by the rest. Loki's home was big enough to fit them all comfortably. He shut the door when he heard the wails from Vali. He passed through the group who took to sitting down at the long table with benches and a room full of chairs with books along the walls.
The group was curious as it was a child, an infant, crying in the villain's home. Loki picked up Vali. "There, your father's here. We just have some guests, who hopefully won't over stay their welcome, but they will." He spoke with a gentle and loving tone. He moved over to Nari's crib. He was sound asleep.
Loki walked out of the room to meet with the group with Vali in his arms. Vali was playing with his hair. "My rules are simple, no one is allowed to enter the master chamber and the nursery. You must have permission from me to do anything with my children." He warned all of them with a piercing glare.
"We understand," Stephen spoke for the group. The group had a mix of emotions on their faces. Some with joy about an infant, others a bit of disgust as Loki was still a high-level threat in their eyes. Stephen showed contentment as he saw how big Vali had gotten.
Nick as awestruck. This was Sigyn and Loki's firstborn son, Vali. He felt like an uncle already. Nick came over to him. "This is him?" Loki nodded. Vali saw that there were a group of people in his house. He clung onto Loki, burying his face into Loki's chest. "He does look exactly like you."
A small smile rose on Loki's lips as he stared down at his shy son. Loki looked over Nick. "I can tell you what happened after Thor, Sigyn, and I came back to Asgard."
Nick wanted to hear. The others were curious as well. Loki started his story with enjoying Asgard and the tricking a spellbound Sigyn into marrying him and how it led to a retrial and Sigyn being turned back into a statue. He continued on with the final battle against the Dark Elves, losing his mother, and teaming up with Thor and Jane. The first fake death, how it helped him get Sigyn back into his arms once again, this time it was from the Frost Giants in Jotunheim. He took the throne over from Thor, but was disguised as Odin. Loki wanted them to know how he started to rebuild Asgard to its former glory while maintaining a family in secret.
At times Vali, would raise up and then hide again in his chest. The corners of Loki's mouth would form into a smile while he was speaking. Loki continued on with Thor coming back once again, this time going back to Midgard to retrieve a spellbound Odin. The mood seemed to lighten up just a bit, but it became heavy when Odin spoke with both his sons before dying. After his death, not even to mourn, Hela, their sister started a fight for the throne between all three of them. Loki explained how Thor and him ended up in Sakaar, where the Hulk had been the whole time. There were sounds of pity for Thor when Loki moved his arms to show how Hulk had beaten him into the ground. He felt smug on the inside.
The group that viewed him as a high-level threat, didn't view him like that when he explained how he helped saved Asgard with Thor, Val, Heimdall, and the Hulk. Saving the lives of Asgard but the atmosphere grew heavy when Loki mentioned that he met with Sigyn one more time, finally getting to meet his newborn son that he named Nari, before finding a place with Thor with Asgard's people, only to fight against Thanos and losing.
The rest of the group explained their side of the story to further out the timeline as to how all of them ended here with the snap.