It's the little things that you don't realise make your life easier until they're gone. While probably one of the more absurd phrases that Midgard has to offer, the accuracies hidden within its simple phrasing are one of the more astounding things I have discovered during my story. Of course, while probably not the last surprise I will come across in my lifetime, it will almost certainly be one of the more memorable. As to why that has come to pass… the answer lies within a chapter of my story that was a rather unfortunate occurrence for Midgard.
It begins with a green creature throwing me around like a powerless ragdoll, followed by an arrow pointed at my head. Most would consider this precise series of events the lowest moment of my life, at least… when considering my perspective. Personally, I would testify that there have been worse moments. "If it's all the same to you… I'll have that drink now." I don't think the Avengers were overly happy with that, if the chains and the muzzle were anything to go by, I would be certain that we weren't on speaking terms. Obviously, they had just had to defend their planet from an invasion of my doing. That could never result in good relations.
The return to Asgard occurred almost exactly as expected. I was brought before the Allfather to receive the consequences of my unjustifiable actions on Midgard. I knew that the most likely outcomes would either be execution, or to be locked away in the darkest depths of the dungeon, never to again see the light of day. The silence stretched out to the point where it seemed as though it existed solely to intimidate me. So naturally, I wasn't intimidated in the slightest. "If I'm for the axe, then for mercy's sake just swing it," I said, knowing full well that this would most likely result in a virtuous monologue if I didn't say something that would put on end to this. "It's not that I don't love our little talks, it just… I don't love them."
"Frigga is the only reason you're still alive, and you'll most likely never see her again." He paused for a second. "You are to be cast out, just as Thor once was. Stripped of your magic, you will remain there until you have proven yourself worthy of the trust of those you have wronged. Until that day, if that day should ever arrive, you will remain on Midgard to live in the shadow of the destruction your actions have wrought." I felt the comforting presence that had remained with me from the day I was born desert me, a frozen void left in its place. From there, I was quickly escorted to the Bifrost, this time travelling with its coloured lights, in contrast to the almost endless void around it.
The Bifrost dumped me unceremoniously on the roof of the remains of Stark tower. Slowly, I dragged myself to my feet before making my way to the edge of the roof. From here, one could almost see the whole of the city. What was before the invasion a bustling display of Midgardian civilisation was reduced to largely consist of ruin, fire and destruction caused by my failures. There was little time to take in the view, before the Bifrost showed itself once more, bringing with it the one person I never wanted to lay eyes on again. "Hello Brother," he greeted politely.
"I'm not your brother," I snapped back. Ignoring me, he began to explain the purpose of his arrival.
"I have been sent to ensure that no injustice is to befall you at the hands of Midgard."
"And exactly how do you plan on doing that?" I interjected. "Surely the Midgardians will want their own form of justice for what has transpired."
"Come with me," he told me. He led me through a door at the far side of the roof and down several flights of stairs. The destination at the end was actually slightly disappointing. "I believe you've already met," he told me, gesturing toward the Avengers.
"Surely you're joking?" I questioned.
"Why is Reindeer Games here?" Stark asked Thor.
"He needs a place to stay." He began to explain.
"I don't know if you got the memo, but a few days ago, we had to stop your crazy brother from conquering the Earth with an army of aliens."
"It was decided that Loki would live out his punishment on Midgard, without interference from any of your authorities. I thought it best to trust you with his safekeeping," Thor explained.
"Is there a complaints hotline or something, because I don't remember signing up to babysit your evil brother."
"Are you sure I can't just put an arrow between his eyes?" Hawkeye added.
"The punishment was decided by the Allfather himself."
"What if he decides to try again?" Romanov asked, predictably. As their best interrogator, it was only right that she would question the viability.
"Any attempt to conquer this planet would be doomed to fail. His magic has been taken form him and I would be surprised if he had any allies on Midgard."
"Fine, I'll agree to allowing him to remain in the tower on one condition…" he paused for a moment. "At any point where he tries to cause a problem, he has to leave."
"Thank you."
"Come with me," Stark said, directing me to the elevator. "Hey JARVIS," he said after the doors had closed and the lift went into motion. Before I could question who exactly this JARVIS was, a voice from the ceiling spoke. "How can I help you sir?" it enquired, startling me slightly, though at the time I wouldn't have admitted it.
"Place maximum surveillance on floor 15."
"Of course sir." There was silence until the lift opened, and Stark opened the door to a room on the other side of a brightly lit corridor.
"You'll be staying here," he told me. "Don't try wandering off. I'll get JARVIS to tell you where you're allowed to go, and he'll alert me if you try to access anywhere without authorisation from me." I stayed quiet until the door closed behind me, the lock making a soft click as it moved into place. The room was simple, with a light beige paint on the walls, and a white painted ceiling. At the centre of the wall on the far side was a window overlooking the street with light coloured curtains framing ti on either side. A bed was situated against the left wall, covered with light blue duvet and a slightly excessive assortment of pillows. To the right of this was a door, and I opted not to explore where it led to at that moment, instead throwing myself onto the bed. "How would you like me to address you," the voice… JARVIS asked.
"Loki will be fine," I said, not wanting to claim any further name than that.
"Would you like me to tell you where you are authorised to access?" Jarvis asked politely.
"Yes," I replied. The voice began to explain, and I wondered how exactly the Avengers would seek the vengeance, and whether there was anything I could do when that time inevitably comes.
AN: I know the Loki redemption arc has been done before, but I wanted to write my own, with a twist. Let me know what you think of the story so far by writing a review. Constructive criticism is always welcome. :)