Wanda snapped the book she was reading shut. She let out a sigh while staring at the ceiling. "You know what I despise the most out of this place?"
Stephen turned towards her as he was placing a book back and grabbing another one.
"That the depressive abyss you allowed to swallow you whole vanishes and you're complacent all over again. You're stuck in a spiral of feeling just fine to bleak back to being just fine," Loki's voice reached them before they turned their heads to see him holding his son's hands helping him walk.
"Yes," Wanda nodded her head in agreement. Vision's death haunted her. She would try to read the books to keep her mind off of it but that same expression seeped into her mind. Everyone was battling with their own loss. She didn't want to burden someone with how she felt about his death.
Stephen looked between the two of them. He grabbed his next book to read. "It didn't take you long to come out from your room."
Loki eyed him. "At least the witch and I have something in common, while your comment reiterates why you have no one."
Stephen paused. "I still believe you tricked her."
"Aba-ga-wa," Vali spoke with a gum smile.
"Yes, I may have tricked your mother but," Loki smiled down to him. "She was under a spell already. If I hadn't tricked her, she would have been devastated to have married a Crimson Hawk let alone breaking our promise."
"You speak normal to the baby?" Wanda thought the interaction was adorable but thought it was odd Loki didn't baby talk to his children. Then again, she didn't want to hear him speak in baby talk. That would have been odd almost cringe worthy.
"We compromised," Loki chuckled. "I wanted our children to start speaking in full sentences. Well, it wasn't much of a compromise, she agreed easily but did warn how it would be hard to get the relatives on board."
"I don't want to imagine Thor speaking in baby talk," Stephen tried to purge that out of his mind.
"It's what you would imagine," Loki had only walked a few steps.
Wanda let out a chuckle. It was starting to become comical. Stephen Strange was reading a book while arguing with Loki who was helping his son walk. It helped brighten up the mood.
"This person you lost, who was he?" Loki glanced at her.
"You're actually being sociable," Stephen quipped.
"You said all of this will be forgotten in five years," Loki shot back. "Might as well get it off our chest since none of us are going to remember it. You'll have all of the books read and you will be left alone with your thoughts again. The rest of the group are still out sparring with one another. Soon they will get bored of that and will come back in with the same feeling. At least the three of us are more level headed then they are. You said that Peter Quill lost sight of getting the gauntlet off and was worried about his companion."
"Gamora was more than a companion, you would have done the same," Stephen flipped a page.
Loki let out a chuckle. "I tried to kill him and look where it ended up." Vali spoke again. He stared into his father's eyes. "Yes. I tried to kill that purple freak and your father failed but." Loki paused at him while Vali looked back down and tried stepping again. "It wasn't like the reoccurring nightmare." His voice was low enough that the two still heard him. They didn't want to let him know that they heard.
A reoccurring nightmare piqued their curiosity but it also made them recoil. A villain like Loki, had a nightmare about Thanos and his goons, it was something they would prefer not to imagine something.
"Vision," Wanda answered his question. "He was brought to life when the Avenger's were fighting against Ultron. He had the Mind Stone." Loki raised an eyebrow at her. "Hydra took the scepter you had during the Battle of New York and used it to enhance mine and my brother's powers. The Avengers took back the scepter. Ultron shattered the scepter to release the stone and placed it on Vision's body, so that he could have a body ready to transfer over. After Tony's and Steve's fight, we left the Avengers after we caused harm to a fellow hero." She looked away. "We started a secret life together in Scotland. The others didn't know we were secretly dating for two years." She was beaming at the memory. Vision had a double life at times. When Thanos came to Earth for the rest of the stones and taking the stones, we left out the part where I ended Vision's life by destroying the stone."
The two men looked away. That must have been hard to bear, killing your loved one to save the rest of the universe. It was a heavy burden.
"Thanos used the Time Stone to reverse all of that," Wanda started to cry. Her voice wavered. "That sacrifice-it was for nothing. He turned back time only to rip the stone out from him. I had to watch him suffer twice. I tried to fight him off but I failed."
"My condolences," Loki stepped with his son. "I may not understand exactly how you feel, but I understand that it was painful and that no one should ever have to go through it."
"Thank you," Wanda wiped the tears away from her eyes. She glanced at them. Stephen nodded to her, agreeing with what Loki had spoken.
The sacrifices everyone made only to end up in failure. Stephen could have let them know that in the end they will win, but he didn't want to chance it. He only knew about being in the Soul World for five years, nothing about the impact from being in the Soul World, so some of the things he can say were not going to impact the end result.
There was silence between the three of them. Vali kept babbling about. He enjoyed trying to walk. The three heard the door open and the group came back in.
"This is a sight," Sam viewed the three now. He pointed to each of them. "Are you friends now?"
"Are you friends with the gentleman named Bucky?" Loki knew there was hostility between them.
"After sparring with him, took some of the edge off so yeah I can say we are," Sam responded. "T'Challa and I are also friends."
"Glad everyone is doing great," Nick's voice made them all turn. "Found out my asset didn't get snapped, so my guess she came back to Earth and must have grouped up with the Avengers. They will find a way. We will get back to wherever we were snapped from. Since coming back, let me update you on what happened to the other beings in the universe."
Loki picked up Vali as the rest gathered back at the table. Stephen and Wand placed down their books and headed over to hear what Nick had to say.
While this was taking place, Sigyn woke up for the first time without feeling the pressing depression. She did feel weighted down. She tried to move her body. She opened her eyes to view part of Muspelheim. She moved her arm letting the soot and ash fall off. She lifted herself to see that she was buried in it upon Surtur's arm rest. It was the same view when she was let on there the first time.
"You are finally awake," his voice was soothing and soft.
"How long was I out?" Sigyn saw his hand move the ash off of her. It was a comical sight as it resembled burials in cartoons. She pushed it off of her as well.
"A while, but it was well needed," he left his hand for her to grab a hold of to help her up. "I scooped you up and placed you upon my throne. The others were getting curious as a flame changing colors drew them in closer. I had to cover you in ash and soot to keep you hidden."
"Thank you," she patted her clothes out of habit but that did not help at all. She was going to need a bath. "I do feel a bit better."
"You will always have this pain but let it become a scar instead," he grew fond of the Midgardian.
"Thank you again," she gave him a soft smile. He smirked.
"Go little one," he scooped her into his palm, moving her to the ground. "I will be here when you need me."
Sigyn nodded to him. She gave curtsey before leaving. Sigyn wanted to go home. It was a thought that hadn't crossed her mind since she was pregnant. She tried calming herself down as she wanted to run across the volcanic ground. When she reached the portal, she picked up a jog which turned into a run as she made her way back to the oasis of the hidden home. The horses picked their heads up glancing at her before going back to grazing. There was still a stinging pain inside her heart and tightening of her throat but the weight of depression didn't make her fall to the floor. It was still there, but felt like carrying a heavy bag and not the boulder she was dealing with.
She opened the door to the empty home but it was still home. Sigyn passed back to the bathing area. The first thing she needed was a bath. She still sighed every so often but sleeping for a few days, what she believes, was helpful to her wellbeing. After her bath, she wrote down in her diary, she had to view what day it was and jotted down what had happened.
Sigyn kept herself busy, trying to not think about the emptiness. That helped fighting the daily battles. She picked the weeds from the garden, groomed the horses, started to make copies of all the books that pertained to the history to the nine realms. She kept performing tasks as it didn't need emotions as much.
It took a week and a half from then to finally come back to New Asgard. This time she had the copies of books, produce from her garden that she could not use as it was just her, and a few other items. She met the Asgardians at the edge of the town.
"All Mother!" The chanted as she hopped off her winged horse. Sleipnir had the items on his back in bags. The bowed and curtsied to her. She curtsied back to them. The people did not know that she had a miscarriage and they won't ever know that. Sigyn smiled at them. Val was surprised to see her back. She thought that Sigyn would need more time.
"Sigyn," she gave her a smile, which Sigyn reciprocated.
"I have brought back books, the recent harvest from my garden, and a few other items," Sigyn motioned for Sleipnir.
"Books?" Val cocked her head to the side.
"Books about the nine realms," Sigyn petted him. "Asgard still has its people and I nested enough that I started hording." She joked but Val could see the tears forming at the corners of her eyes. "Shall we?"
Val nodded. The group ventured back into town with the two horses following them. Sigyn gave the books to those who were over teaching and the library. They thanked her with tears streaming down their cheeks. She handed the produce over those in charge of supplies to distribute amongst the people. She gave a small bag to Val. The two horses left to graze upon the grass.
"What's this?" Val opened the bag. Inside were items a small book, a few daggers, and a white feather. She went for the swan feather and pulled it out.
"It will guide you back to the sealed training grounds," Sigyn explained. "I understand the pain you have, but I believe it is a much overdue reunion. I can watch over New Asgard for you whenever you feel the desire." Tears started to form in Val's eyes.
"Th-thank you," a part of Val did want to go back to the sealed training grounds. "These daggers."
"Are made by me," Sigyn saw her pick one up. It was not ones she designed for Loki; it was ones designed for the Valkyries.
"And this book," Val flipped through it. "Items stored in Odin's vault."
"I was not able to get everything but I was plagued by nightmares of Asgard being swallowed in flames," Sigyn explained. "These are the list of items that I stole and duplicated. I don't know why but I knew I had to. If you ever need anything off of this list, it is stored in my home for safe keeping."
"Thank you," Val was appreciative of these items. "How are you feeling?"
"The loss is still there, the depression still weighs me down," Sigyn stared off into the distance before looking back to Val. "However, I don't feel like I am drowning anymore, maybe a few moments but I don't feel like I am being dragged down into the abyss." Sigyn knew Val wanted to know about her physical health. Sigyn gave her a comforting look. "It is okay. I understand. My body is still healing. It is painful at times but that is natural. My body will keep healing over time." Sigyn looked to the house Thor was living in. "How is Thor?"
Val stared at the house as well. "His battle against depression is taking a toll. He only comes out to get his supplies and his ration of beer."
"A golden pedestal, or throne you could say, was carved for him, and all he had to do was earn it and keep it shinning," Sigyn spoke remembering the past. "He was always in ray of sunshine and he emitted sunshine. A golden aura, but he wasn't allowed to fail, he wasn't allowed to give less than all he could, he was not allowed to be any less of what the people thought of him. Overconfidence made up for what he lacked and the first fall he had," Sigyn chuckled. "Literally, he was casted to Earth to learn about being humble for once. It was then a constant struggle of undoing the way he was taught to act and think."
Val glanced back to Sigyn. She felt that Sigyn was speaking out of experience.
"I have the memories of the late All Mother Frigga," Sigyn explained. "Odin was afraid of how he raised Hela and what she turned into, that he changed his ways of teaching for both sons."
"Well, he made different problems for them," Val spoke with disappointment.
"Yes, he did," Sigyn agreed.
The two spoke some more before heading through town. Sigyn stayed to speak with the people of Asgard. She let them know about Jormungandr, how the rest of the nine realms were faring, and how she spoke with Hela in Hel about the souls. The last bit made the majority cry out. They had lost so much and with the snap, it took half of them as well. The Asgardians were only a quarter of the population. No souls were in the afterlife. Some asked if Hela was still alive. She was not, but because she was the Goddess of Death while she was alive, she was appointed over the dead in death.
"What shall we do then, All Mother?" One person called out.
"We shall continue to live," Sigyn could sense their desperation. "We will continue to rebuild; we shall not let these obstacles stop us. We will remember what happened and we will try to prevent, within our limits, to not let it happen again."
"What about All Father, King Thor?"
Sigyn gave them a reassuring smile. "Remember, he has appointed Val to stand in as All Father as he recuperates from his battles. It has taken a toll on all of us, some heavier than others and each person deals with it in different ways. We all have loss of some sort and we all grieve in a different way. Some recuperate quicker than others and some need more time. Thor is one who needs more time. He appointed Val, because of her skills in leadership, her abilities to handle any attack, and her history with Asgard. Thor will overcome and be back one day. We must remember to not push one another or ourselves and just remember to have patience. We have all the time in the realms." This made the Asgardians feel much better. She continued. "I will visit as often as I can, and if there are things in the other realms that you need, let me know. I can get them."
"Sigyn is right," Val agreed. "We have gone through a lot; it has been close to five months but it is still fresh in our minds. It will get better, but we all need time. I am here. Sigyn will visit. We can overcome this."
The two answered the questions the Asgardians had. When the Asgardians felt reassured, they dispersed back to their homes, leaving Val and Sigyn alone again.
"You seem to have a natural ability to calming them down," Val complimented.
Sigyn let out a chuckle. "Years of teaching young Valkyries, but you are right, a natural ability. Well, All Father, I must take my leave but I will come again." Val saw her to the horses before waving goodbye.
Val could feel that things are starting to turn for the better. She headed back to her home where she received a call from the Avengers. A hologram of Natasha emitted into her home. This was new for her. Thor gave it to her as she was in charge for now.
"Thor?" Natasha called out.
Val moved in front of the hologram. Another pretty redhead. This must be the other one Hulk was talking about.
"Oh, you must be the Valkyrie," Natasha gave her a once over. "I am Black Widow, Natasha, one of the Avengers. Thor must have told you about us."
"I am not the Valkyrie, I am the Valkyrie, I go by Val," she corrected giving her a once over as well. Hulk had a type, beautiful but dangerous. "He did explain who his friends are, the Avengers."
"Well, Val, I was hoping to check in with Thor," Natasha got back on track.
"He's not wanting to be bothered, by anyone," Val informed her.
"Oh?" She was taken aback but her eyes shifted down. "I see. He still hasn't recovered."
"It won't be for a while until he will be okay," Val didn't meet her eyes either. "Each person recovers differently."
Natasha stared at her. "That is true. We each grieve our losses differently. Is there anything that New Asgard needs?"
"We are receiving supplies, building new homes, remembering our fallen, I think we are getting back to a somewhat normal of what we can strive for," Val explained.
"That's reasonable, Asgard has lost so much in such little time," Natasha understood.
"Yes, we have. This has taken its toll on Thor," Val implied. "He believes he has failed and he has every right to feel that since Odin taught him to believe that he can save the realms with him alone a few loyal friends."
Natasha blinked a few times. "I guess he didn't say much when he was here. He was mostly silent."
Val chuckled. "Odin passed away, Hela arrived, they were thrown into the universe to land on Sakaar where he fought his friend from work, escaped there, saved Asgard by destroying it with the help of Loki, and as we seek a new home, Thanos slaughters half the population, and we arrive here on Earth. I had no idea if Thor survived or not. The last words from when I spoke with him was to keep the Asgardians safe. Then half the population of the survivors turned into ash. It wasn't until Thor came back with the look of defeat that I knew that the battles he fought were all in failure. He muttered that he had killed Thanos and headed to the small house where Miek and Korg were living at and joined them. He would sometimes come out of the house but now only for his rations."
"What happened?" Natasha was curious.
Val looked away. "He found out he needed to regret much more than he did."
"Why would he need to regret more than he already has?" Natasha didn't understand. Thor was in enough pain as it was.
Val took in a breath. "You perhaps know of the Lady Sigyn?"
"Sigyn?! She's alive!" Natasha broke her rigid stance.
"Yes," Val could see that she was acquainted with her.
Natasha smiled. "It is great to hear that she survived. What happened to her? Where is she now?"
Val kept her composure. "She's dealing with loss as well. It is not my privilege to tell but I can say she was the one who made Thor regret even more."
Natasha was happy to hear that Sigyn survived. She, like many others, wished Sigyn would have helped out. "Is she there now?"
"No, she is back in hiding, she will come to visit more often," Val shook her head. "I will let her know when she comes back that she must contact you."
"Yes, I-we would like that very much," Natasha nodded. "Just let her know, I know she will visit on her own. Thank you, Val. Contact me, if you need anything."
"I will if need be," Val nodded. The hologram flickered off. She headed off to get a drink. She looked at her stock pile of alcohol. "I'm going to need more if I am kept in charge."