Chapter 2
The children stared at one another and the air lost the crackle of magic.
Serene stared at the two princes before transforming back to her Aesir form.
" What exactly are you, miss?" Thor spoke in a curious tone.
"Other beings call me a Galaxian, my people helped form the cosmos and hold the power to change and warp anything within," Serene spoke with a whimsical voice.
"Then how come I've never heard of your kind?" young Loki said staring at her with a quizzical gaze.
"My kind have been slaughtered and massacred in others attempt to yield our power, it was decided that every million years a new Galaxian is born," Serene answered as she took a seat in one of the golden chairs near the balcony.
The boys followed her and sat on the lone coach that sat in the sun.
"So you yield the power of creation and destruction, but yet you can shape-shift," Thor said slowly processing the information.
"My kind have developed more powers in order to protect ourselves from those you attempt to use us for gain or wars," Serene said adding to Thor's list.
Loki stared at the young being, trying to read her.
Her eyes were a piercing golden hue; her hair was a blend of black and whites in long curly ringlets.
Her skin was a light golden color at the moment, like the rest of Aesir excluding Loki who was as white as freshly fallen snow unlike the golden prince.
He scowled as he was reminded that he was a wolf in sheep clothing.
He would never be like his brother, just a shadow.
Loki was shaken out of ranting by a calming voice, "Loki, time for lessons," Frigga's voice called.
Loki was quick to stand as he followed his mother through the door.
"Lady Serene I bid you good day," Thor said as he too, left.
Serene sat in the room, alone once again. She sniffled at the silence and wiped her eyes.
"Dear child, why not just follow them in disguise?" a voice whispered into her ear.
Serene whipped her head to see a tall figure like herself.
"Mother, I do not know the form I should form though," Serene answered.
"You have risen from the ashes of myself and your father, now what does that tell," The woman said cupping the girl's chin.
"A being that rises from the ashes… a phoenix," Serene said happily.
Loki watched as his mother pointed at the book in the front of him.
"Today we will learn to create illusions of ourselves," Frigga stated.
Loki felt a tap on his shoulder and whipped around to see Frigga standing behind him.
Loki smiled and looked at the hand movements before trying the action.
Soon, Loki and his illusions surrounded Frigga.
"Very good Loki, I'm so proud you picked it up so quickly," Frigga said as she cupped his cheek in her hand.
He leaned into her touch a smile beaming on his face. A low musical trill sounded through the golden chamber.
The beat of wings and the rustle of feathers accompanied the call.
A beautiful white and blue bird flew in and perched on one the messenger posts.
The bird was as big as any predatory aviary.
The eyes were as golden and molten as the walls of Asgard.
The beak had a long curve at the end showing the nature of what the bird ate.
The bird trilled again at the two Aesir, as it settled down.
"Well, it seems someone wanted join in on the lessons," Frigga said as she approached the bird.
She held her arm out in invitation as the bird settled on the Queen's armored clad shoulder.
The bird nibbled on the Frigga's tresses as she calmly walked back to where Loki stood.
"Mother, what kind of bird is that? I have never come across anything like it," Loki spoke as he eyed the bird with a curious gaze.
"You would not encounter one of these birds unless you would travel to Muspelheim and find yourself in trouble," Frigga said as she gave the bird a glance.
There was a pause as Frigga watched as the bird encouraged her to speak. "She is a phoenix, a rare one too, her powers can either be that of the cold ice of Jotunheim or the flames of the pits of Muspelheim," Frigga said as the bird took flight.
The two royals watched as the creature caught on fire, the white and blue flames seemed alive but then turned to crystal as they froze.
Loki watched in awe as the bird turned back into a feathered form.
The bird circled the young prince before landing on his shoulder.
Loki flinched at the contact as the talons dug into the leather.
The bird trilled lowly as if in apology.
The phoenix nibbled Loki's hair in affection and preened his hair.
Loki blushed at the attention the bird gifted on him.
"Loki I want you to observe the phoenix and see if she will give you any knowledge for your efforts," Frigga said with a twinkle in her eyes.
The phoenix looked at the Queen, 'Be careful of what you reveal to him, do not reveal the future,' Frigga mind spoke to Serene.
The phoenix replied with a musical whistle.
Loki bowed his head as he left the Frigga's library.
Loki strolled down the massive Asgard halls.
Many of the Aesir would either bow their heads or look away from the dark prince.
Whispers could be heard when they duo rounded any corner.
The Phoenix nibbled Loki's ear to try to soothe the shame of those talking behind his back.
Loki sighed as he reached the Royal gardens and sat on the familiar stone bench.
Loki looked around before putting forth a notice-me-not charm.
The magic settled over the pair and those only seeking the pair would see them.
Loki leaned forward so his elbows met his knees.
The phoenix hopped off his shoulder instead picked a low branch that loomed over the bench.
Loki let out the pent up frustration he had been holding in with a low breath.
"You must see the snickers and whispers I endure don't you, see what those think of the shadow," Loki drawled as he turned his head to look at the bird.
Serene bent her head as to nod in conformation.
She could feel the unease of the servants and guards as they passed.
She crooned as a silent tear fell down Loki's cheek.
"They don't care to think that I hear what they say about me, a wolf in sheep's fur," Loki said bitterly.
Serene opened her right wing and snagged one of her flight feathers.
The long wing feather was a ocean blue with white veiny stripes crisscrossing over the surface.
She presented the feather to Loki on his arm.
Loki felt a slight nudge of a beak and he slowly looked at the bird.
He saw a glint and saw that on his arm lay a feather.
'You are not alone in this world Loki, if ever in any trouble I will be there no matter the problem, whether you are in danger or need someone to listen. Simply just touch the feather and call to me,' the phoenix spoke.
She gathered herself up and flew to an open balcony that overlooked the garden.
Loki watched the bird take flight and disappear. He smoothed the feather before placing it in the satchel he carried with him.