Hello my lovelies! Did you miss me? Probably not since I am the queen of uploads these days lol. I am so happy that I seem to finally be getting some support for this story. It means so much to me. I never thought I would have so much fun with this story, it was only an idea that was stuck in my head and it was just a small thing. I didn't think I would feel like I had enough motivation to continue to write, but with all the kind words of those who reviewed always keep my desire to write and finish this story very high. It's like rushing into an epic battle sometimes.

So thank you:

moonsword17: You are still awesome, your praise makes me feel very humble. I am glad that you enjoyed the scene of Irene's Remembrance and Loki's reaction to her music. That is what I like about in my creation of Irene. Here she is, a poor innocent little soul out there alone in her giant house with no voice to call her own. Her skill is perfect, but she herself is imperfect. Not even Loki is perfect, but unlike Loki she doesn't try to strive for perfection. If she wanted to she could be one of the best composers of her generation, but no she is just ill and she claims to only be a humble artist.

ladyofthelost: Thank you for your lovely review :D

AkeraWriterOfTheNight: Lol I loved your review

cc: I am glad you like this so much xD

tea-rex: for loving Irene even though she was a fleeting idea, I'm glad you enjoy her so much...I thought that I would have her different from most oc's that people pair Loki with, someone who is haughty or rebellious, or someone who lacks eye sight...so I thought how would Loki deal with someone who lacks speech but speaks with her music.

AvengerGirl17: thank you for your support in loving how I presented Loki. I will do my best to keep this image of the Trickster going, and I will do my damn hardest to make many more great chapters that you will enjoy.

I am so inspired I could just kinda cry *weeps* I feel like Might Guy from Naruto about ready to sob about youth and all that stuff. Lol so much so I think I'm scaring the people I live with cause they are looking at me as if I am crazy, though I do admit I am a bit eccentric to be honest! But I don't care *evil laugh*

So anyways let's get this show on the road shall we!

ENJOY!

Chapter 6: Turning Tides

"PAY ATTENTION! RAISE THAT SWORD UP!"

Loki flinched at the harsh order, raising his wooden sword up as another clashed against his savagely. His knees nearly bucked from the force as his green eyes flashed up to catch the gleaming blue eyes of his older brother. They had been training for what felt like hours, his muscles strained in protest when he made a daring sweep at Thor's legs. The golden hair prince jumped back away from the younger's reach, a hearty laugh escaping him. Loki let out a breath of exasperation. He had been loosing this battle horribly thus far. His speed may have aided him in his fight but he couldn't match the brutal strength of Thor no matter how much he tried or trained in secret in the art of the sword.

His large eyes watered with his frustration.

"Come now, Loki! A warrior does not cry!" Thor taunted.

"I am not!" Loki snapped back.

The youngest prince set his jaw angrily. As he parried, he switched his fake blade in the favor of his left hand and chancing a swipe. His sword came into contact with Thor's side, stunning them both for a moment cause it was Loki's first hit that he had ever gotten on his older brother. His eyes widened as excitement claimed him. Not from the fact that not only he had landed a blow on Thor but it was the fact that Odin and Frigga were standing there at the far end of the training field this day and had witnessed his small victory.

The youngest prince was so happy with his achievement he didn't take much notice that his brother had recovered until it was to late. He reacted to slowly when Thor lashed out, the burning sensation of pain flared out when the wood made contact with the side of his head. Black spots danced across his vision as he stumbled to the ground, his wooden sword forgotten.

"FOR THE LOVE OF THE NINE, BOY! THIS IS THE SIXTH ROUND LOST!" Arild screeched, his golden Asgardian armor gleaming in the sun as he stomped into their little makeshift arena.

Loki wasn't given much time to recoup when his mentor grasped the back of his tunic and hauled him to his feet. "Honestly you are the most hopeless lad I have ever trained." Arild continued scathingly.

"Arild that's not fair Loki did his best!" Thor exclaimed, his own sword long forgotten as he suddenly got defensive on Loki's behalf.

If his head wasn't hurting as badly as it was Loki would had flushed from the humiliation. Blinking away the black spots he raised his hand to the side of his head, his fingertips gently prodding the wound until he brought his fingers in front of him to examine the blood "It's alright Thor..." he mumbled bitterly.

His brother's hands fell upon his shoulders, eyes shimmering with worry and guilt. "Forgive me, brother." he said, "I didn't mean to hurt you so."

Loki's gaze soften from the sincerity of his brother. A small, if not pained smile, formed on his lips as he patted Thor's arm gently.

"All is forgiven, do not fret Thor..."

What ever Thor was going to say was cut short with the arrival of their parents. Odin looking regal as ever in his armor and in his hand he possessed Gungnir; Loki could never recall a time when Odin didn't have the spear with the exception of feasts. But Frigga looked as lovely as ever in her robes, her kind eyes resting upon him as the expression of motherly concern appeared.

"My dear boy..." Frigga murmured, cupping his round face between her soft and warm hands.

Loki blushed in embarrassment as she fawned over him. Odin watched the exchange with a near blank expression before muttering something to his mentor, they both went a little ways off and Thor had followed as well like he always did when Odin was around. Loki's attention went from his mother to the haughty conversation that his mentor was having with his father; both speaking is hushed tones though not quiet enough for him to hear.

"The lad is useless, my king." Arild insisted, pulling Thor closer to him by the shoulder "He is no match not even to Thor and he struggles to keep up with my other students," the man's expression started to turn grim "if you do not find a solution to this Loki would be slaughtered if he were to ever be in battle."

"Do not dismiss my youngest son so easily." Odin replied "Loki is different, unique; perhaps he is not meant to be trained like the others."

"I did not mean to offend you, my lord"

"Worry not my friend." Odin reached out and placed a hand on Thor's head. Loki felt the sour sting of envy at the open affection the All-Father bestowed upon his older brother as he continued to speak, Odin's words ringing with some pride. "I trust you to train Thor well, he speaks highly of you and your lessons of battle. I expect great things to come from Thor and other warriors of our realm."

"And what about me father?" Loki blurted, brushing away Frigga's hands from his face as she tried to examine his injury.

Odin faced him, his head turning to the side thoughtfully "You lack Thor's strength, my son." he said simply. "You will be placed elsewhere to continue your training-"

"But father! I can do it! I can train longer if I must I can be just as good as Th-" Loki started desperately.

"ENOUGH!" Odin bellowed "YOU SHALL LISTEN TO THE COMMAND OF NOT ONLY YOUR FATHER! BUT YOUR KING!"

Loki flinched for the second time that day. Cowering from the wrath of his father, angry and hurt tears forming at the corner of his eyes as he bowed his head in submission and shame. He did not see the look of disapproval Frigga shot at her husband. Her hand gingerly rested on his head, her fingers combing through his dark locks soothingly "There is no need for a quarrel." she spoke lightly, her eyes drilling into her spouse "Do not worry my king, I shall see to Loki's training...perhaps I could help him in discovering his true talents."

Without any further exchange Loki let his mother guide him from the training grounds leaving his father, brother, and now ex-mentor behind. When they were out of their sights Loki didn't hold back the dreadful feelings any longer as his lower lip trembled. His hand clasped his mother's in search of comfort. He could always count on his mother for support.

"Am I truly that weak mother? Will I never be better than Thor?" he questioned, his voice small.

His large watering emerald orbs glanced up at her from beneath his long dark lashes. She was regarding him with benevolence, her hand squeezing his reassuringly "Oh, my dearest Loki..." she crooned "I believe that one day you can achieve equality with Thor...do not forget that I love you and that your father loves you as well."

"But then why did father stop my training?" he sniffed "I could have disciplined myself harder! Practice more!"

She raised her free hand, wiping some tears that trailed down his face lovingly "Perhaps," she agreed "but you only just started your training my son. There are other means of gaining power for battle and you are a very smart boy."

He smiled a little becoming a little hopeful "Really? Do you think so mother?"

She laughed softly, her voice sounding as light as bells before the tapped him lightly on the nose "I do not simply think!" she said "I know so!"

Loki wrinkled his nose, his eyes narrowing playfully "Then what am I to learn mother?" he asked eagerly. Curious as to what his mother wished to teach him.

"How about I teach you...magic?" she asked. Her eyes sparkled with some mischief that he had inherited from her.

"Yes!" he agreed, he had seen the working of his mother's magic before. Always had a fondness for it and found it to be a rather beneficial skill, he loved to read and he has read many things that covered sorcery.

"Excellent!" Frigga chimed "We shall start in the marrow! For now let us go see Eir and get that cut looked at."

Together they both walked hand in hand. Loki beaming brightly at his mother, and Frigga smiling with all the love in the Realm for him.

\oooo/

Present day, Midgard: Stanbridge East, Quebec

The God of Mischief held his hands suspended in air, his magic tickling through them as he worked hard to stabilize a mortal woman. Irene Hawkins had been been slumbering for nearly two days. After her stunning performance she simply crumbled into nothing, the sight of her blood coming forth from her mouth had been alarming. He murmured his spells under his breath as he hands traveled over her body, never touching the mortal girl as she started to gain a healthier glow to her skin. He had sensed something odd in her, but he couldn't really place his finger on it. He couldn't say he was well versed in Midgardian biology or Midgardian anatomy so there wasn't much that he could do for her.

He could keep her alive though.

Loki remembered how she fallen into his arms, her body to weak to support itself. The smell of her blood reaching his nose as he held her close and cradled her tiny frame to his chest. The production of her aria on the instrument she called Stradivarius was lamentable. He had to commend her ability to play as she did. She may not have been as good as Bragi himself but her music was what made him feel. She had wept as her bow traveled over the strings, producing such heart-wrenching notes that it nearly drove him mad. He felt tormented, calmed, jubilant, and many other things that sent him into a whirlwind of emotions. At first he thought she she had been some type of sorceress that cast an enchantment on him. But that was ruled out as improbability since he didn't sense any magical abilities from her.

If Irene's Remembrance was that powerful he wondered what her other compositions consisted of.

He lowered his arms to his side in exhaustion, a fine sheen of sweat formed on his brow from the hard work. He was pleased to see that she seemed normal. The rosy tint returned to her cheeks and she no longer held the dark circle under her eyes. Loki felt relieved that she was out of what ever danger she was in.

Two days gave him much to think about.

She had hoped to have him for a friend. She desired one clearly, seeing that she had been locked in this house didn't really give her much options for selecting others for such a task. Irene, for a mortal, seemed rather decent. She was a healer, a musician, and someone who provided him a roof willingly during the duration of his stay here in this Realm. She has been useful. He could perhaps not really consider her a friend...but maybe he should consider her an ally.

Since the day her eyes first landed on him they hadn't been judgmental. Disapproving. Expectant. She was looked at him as if he were normal...nobody on Asgard did that. No one came to him and willingly offered their help, nor did they ask it from him. They were all simply demanding.

Loki do this.

Loki you started it, fix it.

Trickster. Liar. Outcast.

Irene suddenly struck him as somewhat like Frigga. Frigga loved him, cherished him even and did not condemn him due to his Frost Giant heritage or for his love of magic. She was always there for him.

Who did the mortal have?

Leaving the girl in the guardianship of her loyal hound (who he fed in her absence as well as the horse) he went down to the kitchen to brew more elixirs for the mortal to drink upon her awakening. He had went out to her vast garden. Another beauty in which she had made for herself, her collection of white roses were quite stunning. And the amount of native Midgardian herbs were vast. So the fallen prince took the liberty of gathering things he needed to make his own medicines for her.

An eye for an eye.

He smirked as he crushed some white willow bark, in the girl's library there was a book of medicinal herbs and things that mortal's used to help with certain things. Interestingly enough he learned that this white willow bark could help fend off pain, swelling and even fever.

Maybe he should keep some extra on him just in case...

It has been boring though he had to admit. Foster and her companions were starting the developments of some sort of device that would open a portal for interstellar travel. Whoever this Director Fury was took forever to come to a decision if whether or not S.H.I.E.L.D. wished to fund it or not. He seemed busy with other things, it was no secret that the organization was buzzing around in the shadows in the massive New Mexico state. Loki had also been keeping a closer eye on Dr. Selvig who still remained with Foster to help her designs. Obviously the man must have been her mentor in the field of Astrophysics.

And he did not let it slip his notice that the one called Coulson was still lurking around.

It irked him that the Midgardian man still had the gall to remain on Irene's lands. Never once had he come up to the house personally but Loki always saw him and his men in the woods still searching for any evidence they could find.

Finished with the bark Loki added it to his new special blend of tea.

By the smell of it it wouldn't be very pleasant to drink but it was effective enough to work.

"Bitter the better..." Loki reminded himself.

The sharp squealing the kettle reached his ears. Pushing some of the herbs to the side the God spun on his heels and turned off one of the burners. Snatching the thing off the stove he brought it to the counter when he then started to throw his first blend of herbs into it to allow them to soak until it was time to serve.

He also brought it upon himself to snatch Irene's favorite mug though he didn't see what was special about this certain cup; how can one cup rule them all? He would have to ask her about that later.

\oooo/

Irene turned over with a groan. She felt absolutely awful.

She laid there in silence, waiting for the throbbing in her head to die down. The rustling of fabric and the clanking of porcelain reached her ears. She exhaled loudly and the movement stopped for just a moment before continuing again. And she just listened, knowing just who else was in the room with her. Her memory stirring from the last time she was awake. What had happen? One moment she was up, playing her violin, and the next thing she knew it started to become hazy, then blank.

"I know you are awake mortal." His voice rumbled with slight amusement.

Her eyes fluttered open then, her head resting on her arm as she turned over to acknowledge the God in her room. He was there, a little bit of a smile on his face. His rich emerald eyes seemed much brighter today than usual even though he looked a bit disheveled. Even some strands of hair were in his face which was funny since she knew how much the man enjoyed having his hair slicked back.

She offered him a pained smile.

"How are you feeling?" he questioned. She felt like some sort science project that he was studying with the way he was looking at her.

She stuck her tongue out at him and made a noise to express how she felt. And as a reward for her somewhat childish display; he chuckled. "That doesn't surprise me." Loki replied. He turned away and grasped her favorite mug and a nearby kettle that he had brought with him "I made you something" his nose wrinkled for a moment as he quickly set the kettle down. "It should help you with the swelling and pain you may be experiencing so do sit up."

Irene stubbornly stayed on her stomach.

Loki's brows shot up his expression saying 'really?'

A smile broke onto her face. He tsk'd at her and shook his head, his face turning serious "If you don't sit up then I will make you." he warned, his eyes gleaming "And you will not enjoy it."

Now it was her turn to raise her brows at him. She nibbled at her lower lip nervously before giving in and flopping over onto her back. From there she sat propped herself up against her pillows and held her hand out. The Norse God handed her mug to her and Irene gagged when the smell of the tea reached her nose. She leaned forward to hand it back to him but Loki already moved out of her reach and shook his head.

"It won't be so bad if you just drink it down quickly."

I somehow doubt that...Her mind whispered.

She glimpsed at the murky liquid in her cup. Her brown eyes went from it, to the God, and back. Watching her apparent dilemma, Loki made himself comfortable in a chair that he brought over next to the bed. She had no doubt that he was getting some sort of twisted pleasure from this. And giving in she pinched her nose and brought the cup to her lips. Tilting her head back she swallowed the entire thing down in three gulps and sputtered. Nearly choking on it. Loki moved closer to her, snatching the mug from her grip before any damage could come to her or it.

Irene's eyes watered as she fanned herself.

"Oh you're just overreacting." Loki chortled.

Her cheeks flushed in embarrassment and glared. OVERREACTING!? THAT TASTED HORRIBLE! LIKE I HAVE JUST HAD AN ENTIRE BOTTLE OF BUCKLEY'S!

"Buckley's?" He gave her a puzzled expression.

Never mind. She sighed and tiredly ran her hands down her face. She still felt a bit weak and shaky, but also better than she should be. It took her days to recover usually when her illness acted up like it did. And she felt horrible that Loki had to witness that. She must have looked pathetic to the God. Because Gods were strong and they never succumbed to such things didn't they?

"What happen that day?"

She had a feeling he'd ask. She really didn't want to answer him so instead she stared back with a frown.

It didn't seem to deter him as he crossed his legs, leaning back casually in his seat. Long pale fingers drummed against the armrest "Do not test my patience." He sneered, getting testier by the minute.

It is just simply happens. I cannot explain it, my sickness acts up on it's own, but blood is a common sight. She answered him, a bit wary of the stony stare he was giving her. She became well aware of how bad his anger could be if pushed enough, though he never brought her immediate danger she was still cautious of it when he would display violent strength. During his first few nights she could recall when Loki broke one of her wooden trays in two in his random bursts of anger. She felt lucky that he didn't aim his anger directly at her.

"How unfortunate." He replied dryly.

She had the nagging feeling that he really didn't find her current predicament to be much of a problem. At least not for him anyways since he could just do about anything he wished. She offered him a halfhearted smile and leaned back against her pillows. Both of them falling into silence. Irene focused her gaze on the ceiling, noting that the dull pain in her head was fading much to her relief.

"So...tell me," Loki's voice cut into her momentary peace, "Do you have any other music that is similarly composed to Remembrance?"

She could feel his gaze on him as she nodded her head in confirmation.

"Is composing music all that you do in your free time?" he questioned "I thought that Mortals had more interesting things to do since their lifespans were so short."

She glowered a bit I spent about nearly fourteen years in this house. She reminded him crisply. Most of my time goes towards taking care of Joey and Shepard and the arts. My father assigned me the task of composing music, I am not sure what he does with it but it is the only thing closest to a job I've ever had. It is my duty to the family...but besides that composing my music could be rather fun.

"Well, I wouldn't call this fun, nor amusing." He remarked.

Irene slumped back against the pillows, her slight anger sizzling out of existence as her expression melted to one of sadness, You could always go if you want. I am not keeping you here, you have your own free will Loki. If you wish to leave I won't stop you. Her lips pulled back into a smile, she felt a bit humorous. Not that I can stop you anyways, you are a God after all.

He narrowed his eyes and stared at her for a moment. "For the first mortal I've meet, you are certainly the strangest."

Irene's brow furrowed, feeling a bit startled What? How so? Her eyes sparkled in confusion.

He let out a puff of air and pressed his lips into a thin line, running his hand through his hair. "Before I ended up here. There was another God who also ended up on Midgard, Thor, he was cast out of Asgard. The first humans that came upon him practically swooned over him, but not only that they hardly left him out of their sights and didn't allow him to travel far." Loki shifted in his seat, crossing his legs in what she assumed was a more comfortable position. "It was almost as if the mortals were afraid that if they were to look away for one minute that Thor would accidentally destroy something with his bare hands. And yet here you are-" Loki gestured to her person casually "-telling me that I have no limitations in which I could have the opportunity to betray your generous hospitality at any moment when you least expect it."

Would you prefer if I kept you here? Irene snapped, feeling mildly offended that he would think she would force rules upon him. The only time she had went against his wishes were the first time they met and she helped him when all he wanted was to be left alone!

The God's hand stuck out so fast she didn't have time to blink before his hand clasped her jaw in a tight grip. Her body jerked forward when he pulled her towards him, his face nearly inches away from her's "That will be the moment I kill you were you lie." His curiosity quickly turned to open hostility, his nails dug slightly into her flesh. His bright eyes turning much darker by the second. "I will have the decency to say that I will use you for my own indulgences only to the point when you become useless to me. I am sure you would want the opportunity to alter that statement." he growled grimly, giving her a sneer of disgust.

Irene froze in fright.

Loki held that look until he dropped the intimidation and gave a half formed smile. "You Midgardians are strange." The God shook his head. His free hand came up and started to idly play with strands of her hair. His grip on her jaw slackened just barely to the point where he was simply just holding her there.

His eyes seemed to return to their light emerald hues as he continued on running his fingers through her hair. "It would be foolish to get rid of you so soon, I find your company rather tolerable for a mortal." Irene didn't know if she should be flattered or not, "And if would be foolish of me to slay my only ally in this Realm."

Irene raised her hands, grasping his wrists tenderly and much to her relief the God allowed her to remove his hand away from her jaw. Her heart that was hammering in her chest slowed down to a moderate pace. She let his hand drop and ran her fingers gingerly along her jaw. It was most likely going to bruise.

An Ally?

She watched as the God rubbed some of her hair between his thumb and forefinger experimentally.

"Yes," he said rather seriously "You may not seem like much in the physical aspect, nor many other mortals. But you have access to resources, ones that I could put to good use and your home makes a rather lovely fort. It would be a shame if I also took your generosity for granted, so when my plans are done I shall remind myself to reward you for your good service."

You could have just asked. She signed, she really didn't know what it was about his speech. But she felt a little insulted once again that he was turning her decision of good will and turning it into something else. Did he expect her to want something in return from him? No not really, all she wanted and desired was a friend. As for resources I am not sure what you mean by that. I am stuck here, my music is the only thing that I could offer at this point but it is useless if you're trying to get back to Asgard.

He cocked a brow at her "You mean that you would hand me your services willingly?"

She scoffed at him. I have been helping you since you first landed here. If I didn't want to help you I would have made it clear by now! I am sure that if my father were to ever find out that I kept you hidden here I would be skinned alive and then burnt at the stake for lying to these S.H.I.E.L.D. people who obviously wanted to find you!

Loki exhaled. "I knew not that you would go through such lengths to protect me."

Irene's expression towards him soften. Why not...? she questioned, You fell from the sky, and you are not from this world. It would be wrong if I just left you in the woods.

"I am a monster with much sinister plans in mind, me, who just threatened you. And yet you still protect me?" he replied with a cynical tone.

She held his gaze, and she snatched his hand. He paused in mid-stroke, letting her pull his hand away from her hair. She rested it in her lap, her thumbs running over the smooth skin of his knuckles. She shook her head slowly and set his hand free. No, not a monster. You are my FRIEND, Loki... she shuffled under her blankets. Kicking them away so she could swing her legs over the bed, facing him directly now. I won't leave you just yet. I been alone for so long, I might as well make something else of my life. I will help you, even if you were to suggest just leaving I wouldn't want that and I would go with you instead.

She was dead serious.

\oooo/

Loki smirked when she looked away from him. Everything seemed to be turning out better than he could have hoped for. S.H.I.E.L.D. may have indeed been alerted to his presence on Midgard but now he had found someone very willing to keep him hidden when he needed to be and provide him with resources when he demanded it. At the moment, in his eyes, she turned into someone with extraordinary potential and had earned a slight amount of respect from him. Whether or not she could live up to the fate she had condemned herself to was entirely up to her.

Oh Thor, I may have outdone you this time, he thought to himself, his eyes making contact with Irene's sparkling determined eyes. You would admire and envy such an alliance. Your beloved Jane Foster is of no equal, should Irene's loyalty remain as unyielding as it is now.

His smirk grew into a full-blown smile, he couldn't help himself. He was glad that for once someone was willingly on his side.

Yes...He mused. The tide is surly turning, Brother.

Oh sweet god I am just going to end it here. I am tired and Christmas is just around the corner. So This was a slightly shorter chapter I hope you folks don't mind. I really enjoyed writing this. So we move Loki and Irene from acquaintance to allies. I do hope that I am keeping true to the Loki personality that he could be kind to an evil dick in two seconds. But we love him anyways for all that. Again I thank all those who seem to be loving this story. You're all so darling~

Also I wanted to throw a bit of Loki's past in!

I know that a certain someone was more curious about Irene but no worries! I am working on a deliciously good chapter of Irene's childhood! Not saying when in the story I'll post it but it will happen sooner or later when more snippets of info are breached. Cause we know that her father was once a tender man who loved her before turning into the biggest douche in the planet. Her mother seems absent, and still much is unknown about her. And that she has a sister, who won't be mentioned any time soon.

And we have good ol Coulson walking around in Stanbridge East. Not giving up so soon Son of Coul!?

Coulson: Nope~ *scans the area*

So...I would have updated sooner if writers block didn't decide to slap me in the face. With all the holidays stuff happening and getting all up in my grill I assure you my dears that I would had posted this a day or so earlier but alas twas not meant to be! But hey! On the good side I manage to deliver it before Christmas!

So I have a fun little game for all you reviewers cause it will amuse me and Loki.

Loki: What would amuse me mortal? *raises a brow*

Shhhhh! *slaps his arm* I'm getting to that part! *clears throat* anyways I want you all to amuse us with the idea on how do you think this might go over. Or theories, it's an interesting game that I've seen a friend play for one of her stories and I am curious to see how this would work. Sometimes I would even tell folks to vote for the outcomes of the story! But we are still early in to do that! But once when we all reach that point I shall let you beautiful people know!

So love, review, share your theories with me and Loki, and I WILL SEE YOUUUUUUU IN THE NEXT CHAPTER! BUH BYE!

-Shizu