Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to the Marvel Universe or Disney, The Amazing Stan Lee and Joss Whedon, or anyone else involved with the movies or comics are the ones who do. I am not making any profits from this writing, it is all for the purposes of fun and creative writing.
Author's note: Again, I apologize in advance if any characters seem OOC.
Chapter 16
" Father please, I must know now what has transpired since I was killed. I have waited long enough, I want to know now." Loki said as he gazed at his father with hardened, determined eyes, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Odin looked away from the son standing on front of him, dressed regally now in his Asgardian leathers and light armor, golds, greens, and blacks making Loki's beseeching green eyes stand out prominently. The Allfather's eyes met the worried blue orbs of his wife who stood beside him, the King and Queen sharing a look before turning back to face their youngest.
Thor let out a small breath from where he stood, every present by Loki's side. The royal family of Asgard was currently standing in the center of Odin's great study, tension clear as Loki's demand to know the truth hung in the air.
" Brother, are you sure?" Thor asked quietly, dread filling him. He stood beside his brother, wearing a sleeveless version of his armor, with a new and vibrant red cape at his back and Mjolnir
" Yes Thor, I am sure, and I think that I have more than earned it." Loki replied, a small smile coming to his face when he caught the eye of a smirking Tony Stark where the latter stood among the other Avengers. The mortals, from Steve to Selvig were all in attendance, Loki having insisted upon it.
Much to everyones surprise and relief, Loki had instantly hit it off with the Midgardians when Thor had finally gotten around to giving proper introductions just a few days earlier. The Avengers had respectfully kept their distance, allowing Loki his space and time to acclimate somewhat to everything, and also to allow the royal family as a whole some much needed privacy. They had all been lounging around in the common area of their guest quarters when a beaming Thor came into the room, and much to their surprise a very eager yet slightly guarded Loki was with him.
And yes, the two ice wolves, now bearing the names of Njord and Jarl, had also been dutifully by Thor and Loki's side as Loki finally met the people who had helped bring him home.
Thor had introduced them one by one. Loki and Steve had shaken hands, the Super-soldier had marveled at the sheer difference he saw between the warped version he had fought in Germany and the real person standing before him. The Loki that had stood before him was just radiating life and genuine curiosity, and yes, an almost child-like wonder that comes with meeting someone new. By the end of their introduction, Steve and Loki had both agreed to partake in a sparring match with each other later, once Loki had regained more of his sense of normalcy, much to Thor's surprise but also worry, for the Thunder was in clear Brother-Hen mode.
When Tony and Loki had met, there was an instant connection as Loki's eyes had gone to the arc reactor, and instead of making some comment like "Oh that's odd looking" or "Why does your chest glow like that", Loki had simply asked Tony how it worked, eying the chest-peice with clear fascination that didn't even come close to rude staring. Those were the magic words for Tony, who told Loki in general terms that he had gotten hurt pretty badly and that the arc-reactor is what kept him alive. Before Loki had moved on, Tony promised him that he would go into greater detail about the technology, to which Loki had smiled so brightly that Tony may or may not have felt a small burn behind his eye, but thankfully kept his composure, he was Tony Stark after all.
There was a moment of tension when Bruce was introduced, no one wanting the scientist to Hulk out right then and there, but to everyone's relief, the Hulk did not make an appearance and the introduction went fine. Bruce too found kinship with Loki over a mutual love of learning.
When Clint was introduced, the archer may have been a bit nervous, but the moment he mentioned that he was an archer, Loki's face had lit up with delight. By the time he and Clint parted, the latter had agreed to give Loki a demonstration of his skills down at the range.
When it was Natasha's turn, Loki bowed to her, called her "My lady" again and went so far as to kiss her hand like a true gentlemen. It was equal parts jarring and amazing to see the sheer difference yet again between the real Loki and Menkos's lie. Where Menkos's lie was vile and hateful, the real Loki looked upon Natasha with only true respect and curiosity. Natasha may or may not have had a rosiness to her cheeks at that, but she would deny it to her dying day. She asked if she could join Loki and Steve in their sparring session, to which Loki had graciously accepted.
There was no denying that about Jane and Darcy though, for Loki bowed to them and kissed their hands too, smiling brightly at the pair of young ladies. Jane in her nervousness mentioned some scientific theory, and low and behold, that was all it took for her and Loki to suddenly enter into a very animated conversation, one that Selvig, after firmly shaking hands with Loki and showing no fear what so ever, naturally joined into right then and there. It was equal parts comical, yet heartening to see Jane, Darcy, and Selvig all but bouncing with joy and excitement when Loki declared that he would show them the libraries of Asgard, and some of his favorite texts on the various subjects they were so enthusiastically discussing.
After that everyone had moved to sit down, all of them surrounding Loki without even thinking about it. Loki would ask them questions about themselves, eager to learn more about each other them. They all talked for hours, Thor smiling as he watched his brother get so readily accepted into their group, all of them just as eager to learn about the second prince as he was about them. Steve had shown Loki his signature shield explaining how would throw it in battle and it would return to him. Loki had marveled at the weapon and commended Steve on his skills as a warrior. The Supersoldier may or may not had blushed at the compliments. Not to be out done, Tony had grabbed up his special briefcase and demonstrated how it worked. Loki had looked like a kid of christmas morning, smiling from ear to ear as he had bombarded Tony with several questions after that, even asking the genius to demonstrate the Ironman suit's flight capabilities, to which Tony had naturally obliged, stepping out onto the balcony and taking off with his thrusters, expertly rising into the air and doing several loops for good measure. Loki's enthusiasm had been infectious as they had all cheered Tony.
Once Tony had landed, Loki had turned his attention to Bruce, respectfully inquiring as to whether he had a special ability. Thor had tried to dissuade his brother, but before anyone could stop it, Bruce was letting out a loud roar as his other half decided to show up. Thor had stood protectively in front of Loki, Mjolnir in hand. But as the Hulk stood to full height, they could all see that there was no berserk rage in those green eyes, just a bright eagerness and curiosity as the Hulk had looked down at Loki, and Loki had looked back up at the towering green giant with wide, wonder-filled green eyes. Sidestepping Thor, Loki had boldly walked up to the Hulk, looking comically small before the green behemoth as he had spoken.
" Friend Banner, you are magnificent." Loki has said, stunning everyone as they watched him grin up at the Hulk, who grinned back and offered the god a massive hand.
" This would so go on facebook." Darcy had said as she and everyone else watched on in wonder as Loki and the Hulk shook hands, the former's hand more than swallowed up by the latter's, yet both smiling happily at each other. It took a little while for Bruce to come back to himself, but the moment he did Loki had demonstrated his own unique abilities as he had waved his hand and used his magic to repair Bruce's shredded pants and conjured a fresh shirt for him, the fabric seemingly materializing out of thin air around Bruce's upper body.
After that, everyone else had then descended on Loki, asking him to show them more of his magic. Loki, truly stunned at the enthusiastic response his magic had received, had gone at it with the best. With the grace of a true showman, Loki had showcased some of his abilities for the Midgardians, like conjuring multiple copies of himself, and transforming into Steve, much to everyone's astonishment, and various other such feats. But the icing on the cake had been when he had turned his green eyes, almost glowing with happy mischief to his brother.
" Loki, no! Don't you-" Thor had begun to say, but the rest of his words turned into an indignant squawk as his long, golden locks disappeared, morphing into a blue afro.
While Thor had raged and chased a cackling Loki about the room, everyone else had either on the floor or very close to it, rolling in endless laughter, tears streaming from many eyes. When Thor caught Loki, intent on demanding that his brother turn his hair back to normal, Thor had stopped when he saw the way Loki had been letting out belly laugh after belly laugh, just totally helpless to stop the oncoming mirth. It had been enough for Thor to remember that for a time, he had believed that he would never again see those bright green eyes, nor hear that distinct laugh ever again. All anger forgotten, Thor had started to laugh to, even with his eyes burning as he pulled Loki to him and hugged his still laughing brother tightly. It took a long while for everyone to regain their composure after that, but they hadn't minded it at all.
That had truly been a joyous day and thankfully Loki had returned to Thor his golden locks, but now, all mirth was long forgotten as the Avengers, Jane, Darcy, and Selvig all watched on in respectful silence as Loki faced off against his father, having made his demand for answers.
They all watched as Odin looked back to meet Loki's expectant gaze, sighing heavily as he spoke.
" My son, we do not hesitate to give you the answer we seek because we think that you are unable to handle it, that is the farthest thought from our minds." Odin said as he stepped forward, closing the distance between himself and his two sons.
Beside the brothers, Njord and Jarl, the two ice-wolves both let out soft grumbles, clearly not liking the tension that now filled the entire room but otherwise sitting obedient on either side of Thor and Loki.
" Loki, we hesitate because much happened after you were robbed of your life, many terrible things. We do not want to burden you with it." Odin finished, looking at Loki with barely veiled desperation, as if it was taking all that he had not to simply beg his son to stop asking.
Loki's expression became pained as he stepped forward, facing his father head on as he spoke.
" I am burdened already with not knowing. I have faced much father, you know this somehow. But what I faced was what I faced alone, it is not the whole truth. I have been asking you for days, and all I have received is avoidance, from everyone." Loki said, his voice hard as they traveled across the room, eying the many guilty faces before settling back on his father before him.
" Either you show me what happened, or I will find another way father. I will go and ask Heimdall, for he is all seeing, I will ask any of these warriors and scholars Midgard." Loki said as he gestured to the mortals in the room before he held up his right hand, where the Norns' three jeweled ring still adorned his right ring finger as he continued.
" I will ask the three Sisters of Fate, whose favor I have earned by blood and sword. I'll find a way, you know I will." Loki said with finality as he let his right hand fall to his side and stared determinedly back at his father.
Odin was silent for a moment before he seemed to deflate, a wane smile spreading across his face.
" Stubborn little whelp." Odin said as he reached out and clapped Loki's shoulder, while Frigga and Thor smiled.
" Well who's this whelp's father?" Loki shot back with a good-natured smirk on his face.
That instantly broke the tension as Thor chuckles heartily and clapped Loki's other shoulder. Frigga gracefully stepped forward, taking Loki into her arms once more, speaking softly into his ear.
" Oh my son, I would rather you didn't see all that transpired, I would spare you all of it. But it is your choice. I know that you are strong enough but still, I..." Frigga trailed off as it became difficult for her to speak.
" I know Mother, I know you would spare me anymore pain, but it's alright. I'll be alright, I promise." Loki said quietly, squeezing his mother tightly.
Everyone remained respectfully silent as they watched this moment between mother and son, wondering what would happen next when Frigga finally drew away with her eyes already swimming with tears.
" Father, with your permission, I think it would be best if Loki were to see my memories." Thor said quietly, glancing between Odin and Loki, worry already starting to form within him.
" Aye, you are the most familiar besides myself, and you were directly effected. Then so shall it be." Odin said with another sigh.
" Wonder what's gonna happen now." Clint said softly as they all watched on, all of them feeling nervousness start to pool in their bellies, for while most everything about this whole situation was up in the air, the one certainty was that Loki was about to see some truly terrible things, and there was nothing any of them could do about that because the truth was the truth. So they watched on in tense silence as Frigga beckoned the Njord and Jarl to her, getting them out of the way as Thor and Loki faced each other, while Odin stood between them.
" Loki, no matter what you see, never doubt that I loved you." Thor said quietly.
" Since when did you become so sentimental." Loki said, trying to joke but falling a little flat as he sent a pained but appreciative smile across to Thor, reaching out with his hand and squeezing the glimmering pendant that hung around Thor's neck still for a moment before forcing himself to let it go as they both turned to the Allfather.
" Are you ready my sons?" Odin asked somberly.
" Yes father." Loki said as he took a deep breath.
" Y-Yes father." Thor said too with a nod.
" I want you both to just relax." Odin said before he turned to instruct Thor first.
" Thor, concentrate on your memories, and do not resist when your brother's mind seeks to become one with yours." He said gravely.
Thor nodded mutely at took a deep breath to steady his nerves while his heart was pounding almost out of his chest.
Odin then turned to Loki.
" My son, you to must remain calm and allow the magic to simply flow. Do not try to force your way into your brother's mind, let the memories come to you."
" I will father." Loki said quietly before he turned his gaze to Thor, who looked like he wanted to just curl up at die right then and there.
" It's going to be alright brother, I can handle it." Loki said, doing his best to sound reassuring.
All it did was make Thor's eyes fill up fast with tears while his jaw began to tremble lightly.
Odin cleared his throat softly to get both of his sons to look his way as he spoke, gathering his own seidr within him to cast the spell that would allow the merging of their minds. With a silvery glow forming in his single eye, Odin reached out his hands, his right hand to Loki, his left to Thor. Odin's fingertips came to rest gently at each son's temple.
Thor and Loki both gasped at the same time, their eyes glazing over with the same silver haze before falling shut as one.
" Raise your hands my sons, press your palms to each others and just breath." Odin said as his finger tips at Thor and Loki's temples began to glow.
As one, Thor and Loki each raised their right hands and reached out without opening there eyes. It was as if some unseen force was guiding them as there palms met at the center. There was a flash from Odin's glowing hands, and then Thor and Loki were both gasping a final time as the link was established.
Frigga watched on in silence, knowing that right now her boys were linked together by magic, Loki experiencing Thor's memory, and all their terrible truth. From where they stood, the mortals all watched on, fascinated by the powerful magic they were witnessing, but also feeling dread because of what Loki would undoubtedly see.
The same as they had.
Thor stood with tears already streaming down his face as he remembered what had truly been the worst days of his life. He remembered everything from the botched coronation, the ill-advized trip to Jotunheim, his banishment, meeting Jane, Darcy, and Selvig as a mere mortal, learning humility, but then facing the destroyer on his own and effectively getting killed.
It was here that everyone watched Loki gasp, horror written clear across his face even though his eyes were shut. The memories kept coming, from how Thor regained his godhood. Unfortunately, some of Odin's memories made it into the stream as well, so Loki also beheld Odin's confrontation in the weapons vault with the impostor that made him fall into the Odinsleep, and then how Laufey had nearly murdered him in his vulnerable state, only to be murdered himself at the hands of the Impostor who dared to call himself the son of Odin.
After that came Thor's memories of the fight on the Bifrost where Jotunheim had nearly been destroyed and Thor had been forced to break the rainbow bridge. Loki let out a small gasp as he witnessed Thor's scream as he watched who he thought was his brother fall into the abyss of space. Loki saw the despair and the loss. But then the memories shifted to what happened on Earth, the invasion that the Imposter led that killed so many and nearly leveled all of New York, the way that he had violated Clint and Selvig's minds to turn them into nothing but subservient puppets. He even had the gall to call Natasha a mewling quim just like he had called Loki one when he had attacked him. Loki beheld the strength and courage of the Midgardians, all of them banding together after the Imposter killed one of their own, a man with short cropped hair, a wise smile, and an impeccable suit. A man called Phil Coulson. He also saw a dark skinned man with a sever face and a black eyepatch, the one called Nick Fury who brought the team together.
Loki gasped as he watched each and every Midgardian warrior, now known to him as the Avengers, stand beside Thor to defend the realm against the fellows of his murder, now known to him by a name. The Chitauri. A smile spread across Loki's face despite the tears that were staining it as the memory of the Hulk effectively smashing his impostor into the floor of Stark's penthouse.
Next came the memories of "his" trial before Odin and all of Asgard. Loki felt his stomach roll at the hatred he say, all of it directed at "him" as "he" was brought before the Allfather to receive judgement. Loki's mouth fell open when he watched the impostor insult his parents and his brother so brazenly. He watched as the impostor withstood his father's magic from Gungnir and sneered as he revealed himself as the Chitauri monster that he was.
A monster by the name of Menkos.
Loki then watched on as as the creature gloated about how he had murdered the second son of Odin and used his magic to assume his form and cause so much destruction and death. He witnessed Heimdall's righteous fury as he had beamed into the great hall and shouted for all to hear that Loki was innocent of everything. Next came the rage of his family, Loki gasped as first his mother, then father, and finally his brother all decimated Menkos to little more than a bloodied lump of keening flesh that was taken away to the dungeons with no compassion.
After that came the devastation as the truth about his murder was revealed. Loki could no longer hold back the sobs as he watched his family mourn him so bitterly, a dark veil falling over Asgard. It especially devastated him with he witnessed how Thor had rushed to Loki's room and found the necklace. After that came everything that Thor experienced in Jotunheim and Midgard as he set about proving his brother's innocence, and succeeding.
Loki felt his heart swell as he watched the Avengers, and then Lady Jane, Lady Darcy, and Selvig all came together for Thor and accepted the truth, the Hulk comforting Thor was especially moving to him. Loki could not believe that all of them, even Clint and Erik Selvig had truly lamented his death.
After that came Asgard as it was in mourning him, actually mourning him. Loki was stunned when he witnessed Thor renouncing the Warriors Three and the Lady Sif, in front of the Avengers no less. Loki witnessed how Odin had summoned Hela, only for the Queen of Niflheim to drop her monumental revelations on them all and then show them the Hell he had gone through when the Norns had brought him back and put his resolved to the test. And yes, Loki also witnessed how the Hulk had actually threatened the Queen of the Dead and ended up earning her amusement and not a slow and painful death instead.
Then came the memories of the Norns as they too had appeared in the great hall and asked Odin, Thor, and Frigga what they were willing to do to have Loki back. Loki let out a pained sob, his eyes still tightly shut but despair and love clear on his face as he watched his father, mother, Thor, all made their declarations for what they were willing to do to have him back. He also saw that the Jotuns and the Mortals, and even Hela herself all asked the three Sisters of Fate to give Thor a chance. After that came the events of Muspelheim, how for five days an six night Thor, the Avengers, and the Warriors Three and the Lady Sif had braved the fires and the ghastly creatures of Muspelheim before they had finally asked the Norns for help and received the guidance that ultimately led to them finding him and bringing him home.
It was here that Odin used his magic to gently sever the link between the three of them. Loki stumbled backwards as his eyes shot open and the silvery glow left them. His face could not be adequately described as haunted, for there truly was no word to describe the expression that was on Loki's face.
" Loki." Thor said with tears still streaming down his face as he stepped forward, wanting to comfort his clearly distressed sibling, but Loki's eyes hardened in an instant as he held up his hand and halted Thor in his tracks.
Everyone watched with growing dread as the devastation on Loki's face slowly morphed into a look of pure, unbridled rage.
Before anyone could really comprehend why and who Loki was angry at, Loki's trembling hands ignited with bright green flames.
" Menkos." Loki hissed, his voice so soft through gritted teeth it was almost inaudible.
With a snarl, Loki raised his hands over his head and made the green flame at his hands wash over him rapidly, the entire thing engulfing him and then dissipating as fast as it had come, leaving only an empty spot where Loki had been standing.
" He's transported himself!" Frigga shouted as everyone cried out in alarm.
" Where'd he go?" Tony shouted as he and the others ran forward to join a frantic Thor, Frigga, and Odin.
Everyone started taking all at once, while the wolves also barked in distress, but then Odin had enough of that.
" SILENCE!" He yelled, causing the everyone to fall silent. All eyes looked to Odin as he spoke.
" We go to the dungeons, for my son had finally learned his murderer's name." The Allfather said grimly as his own hands ignited with a golden-yellow flame, much like Loki's had done not a few moments earlier. As the golden flame spread over all of them, wolves included, they all wondered what they would find when they got to the dungeons, where they all had a feeling Loki would be. Everything then blurred into a golden haze as Odin transported them.
When the golden light dissipated just a few second later, they all found themselves standing in a dark hall lined with large, brightly lit rooms with shimmering floor to ceiling walls of glass. These were the dungeons of Asgard. They didn't have time to truly look around as a terrified looking guard came running towards them.
" My liege, Prince Loki he's down here, he's fond Menkos. He broke through the barrier as it it was nothing, we dared not to stop him my King, we dared not!" The young guard cried as he knelt before his king.
" Quickly, we must go." Odin said urgently as he led the way to Menkos' cell, moving with surprising speed with Thor and Frigga right behind him, followed by the mortals and the terribly shaken young guard.
They all made rapid word getting down the hall, but as they turned the corner, a shrill and terrified scream filled the air, chilling everyone to the core.
" Brother!" Thor yelled as he ran ahead of his father, but he stopped dead in his tracks at the sight that greeted him.
There at the mouth of the cell, several guards stood, clearly at a loss for what to do, while inside the room, past the shattered glass barrier Loki stood towering over the crippled for of Menkos, who was shaking and keening helplessly in the iron chair he had been left chained to when he had been first brought to the dark and dank holding area reserved for only the worst offenders of Asgard.
" You need not worry, I will not slay this sad sack of shit." Loki said without turning around to face his family, his voice was eerily calm and his long black hair, now longer slicked back and loose around his shoulder, obscuring his face further.
" Loki." Frigga whispered, stepping forward only for Odin to stop her, a look of foreboding on his face. All eyes went to Loki as the second prince spoke again.
" No, I will not sully my hands, nor will I sully Queen Hela's realm." Loki said, before he leaned in close, causing Menkos to whimper as he trembled violently with his milky white eyes actually shining with tears of terror.
" You thought you could just murder me, usurp my place, and then harm my family and so many others in Jotunheim and Midgard. Well, even fate is against you, for here I am restored. Now you are going to regret ever being born." Loki growled, his green eyes glittering with hate as he stared down at the pitiful excuse of a creature cowering before him.
The with a snarl, Loki reached out and splayed his hand over the top of Menkos' bald, burnt gray head, his hand glowing white as he shouted.
" I give to you all the horrors of Niflheim, all together, all at once. Now the wolves will feast on you, and you will never escape!" Loki declared as he transferred every horrible feeling and every horrible memory into Menkos' mind, making sure that it would all play out in one long and endless loop.
" Rot in the very Hell you sent me to you Fucker." Loki hissed.
Menkos screamed in agony, even though he suffered no new wound or mark of any kind. The horror was happening to his mind, and they was no way he could fight that. As the crippled creature writhed in mental agony yanked his hand away, looking down at the mewling creature with disgust. Then a thought occurred to him, still with his back to his family and yes, friends, Loki snarled again and lashed out.
There were startled cried all around as they all watched Loki basically shove his hand directly into Menkos' heaving chest, like something straight out of a horror movie, except that no neon blue blood gushed out, Menkos did not seem to feel the intrusion at all, already to lost in the terrible punishment the one he had first murdered had doled out. Everyone watched stunned as Loki pulled his hand back out, holding a heart, but the kind that belonged to a living thing.
Loki pulled out a large, rectangular box by the handle, a swirling radiant blue energy swirling within it.
The Casket of Ancient Winters, the heart of Jotunheim itself.
" This is not yours." Loki growled as he gazed down at Menkos.
Loki's Jotun form quickly appeared, blue spreading over his entire being while his eyes went red. With a last look of pure venom at Menkos where he still wreathed in agony, Loki turned to finally face everyone.
Everyone from Odin to the guards stood in silent awe at the sight of Loki in his Jotun form, for before them was no monster, but a proud warrior and prince. Loki's eyes glittered red and bright as he stepped forward with his head held high, the glowing casket held loose by one of its handles in his hand.
Loki wordlessly made his way past the guards, all of them bowing their heads to him as he passed. The Prince paused and looked to one of the guards, who looked up and nearly cowed at the soul-searing gaze of the Prince.
" Put a gag on him, his cries are not worth anyones ears." Loki said, his voice low and deep with the anger that still coursed through him.
" Y-Your will, my Prince." The Guard said, bowing his head again as the others did the same before scrambling off to do as the prince had ordered.
Loki walked wordlessly towards his family, his face seemingly made of stone as he came to stand before his father, brother, and mother, Menkos's pitiful squealing behind him.
" Forgive me for my abrupt departure, I've been wanting to do that for quiet some time." Loki said.
With a gasp, Frigga all but leapt forward, seizing her youngest in a death-grip. No one said anything as Loki let the casket fall from his hand with a soft clatter as he arms went up and around Frigga, hugging her back.
Frigga drew back a bit, but only so that she could cup her son's cold cheeks in her hands.
" My son." Frigga said with conviction and without hesitation she leaned up and started showering Loki's face with sweet kisses, regardless that he was in his Jotun form.
The look of naked surprise on Loki's blue face at this gesture from Frigga had several hearts lurching, including Thor's as he too strode forward and wrapped his muscular arms around both his brother and mother, his cheek pressed against the side of Loki's forehead. Odin watched the scene before him for a few moment, his whole face unreadable until he too stepped forward, one of his hands coming to cover Loki's blue hand on his mother's back, while his other hand went to tenderly cup the back of Loki's head, a silent gesture that spoke volumes.
The Casket lay forgotten on the floor while the mortals all wordlessly gathered around the royal family of Asgard in silent support for all four of the royals, all eyes gazing at Loki with nothing but acceptance and perhaps even admiration as well.
There really wasn't much they could say anyway. Loki had doled out his punishment to the one who had ruined his life.
Several hours later, when night had fallen over the glittering city of Asgard...
Everyone looked up from where they had all been lounging around the common area when there was a quiet knock on the door. They had all been sitting there, having long since had dinner and returned from the hall. Odin, Frigga, Thor, and especially Loki had all conspicuously absent from the dining hall, but after all of the events that had transpired on this day no one could blame the royal family for wanting some privacy.
Steve got up to answer the knock at the door, everyone else watching on, curious as to who it could be at this moderately late hour. The soldier opened the door and felt his heart jolt at who was on the other side.
" Loki?" Steve asked as he gazed upon the second prince of Asgard.
Loki was back to his Aesir form, but he looked absolutely exhausted.
" Good evening Steve Rogers, I realize the hour has grown late, but I was wondering if I could speak to you and your fellows?" Loki asked quietly, looking painfully unsure.
" No, Loki, it's no problem, we were all just sitting in the common room. Come it, please come in." Steve said as he stepped aside.
Loki sent Steve a grateful, if slightly wan smile as he stepped across the threshold past the Super-soldier into the room.
There were surprised noised all around when Loki came into view, everyone rising to their feet and gathering around Loki.
" Apologies if I have disturbed any of you." Loki said quietly, as he sent an apologetic look everyones way.
" Think nothing of it man, I'm just surprised a certain blond, hammer wielding individual isn't here with you." Tony said.
" Well, he does still fall for my illusions. I left him with a copy in his room. I wanted to come here and speak with you all privately." Loki explained with a small smirk of amusement.
There were quiet chuckles and smiles all around, but they sobered quickly when they saw the quietly stricken look that spread across Loki's face. Before anyone could ask him what was wrong, Loki spoke.
" I have come here to humbly ask you all for forgiveness."
Loki's words left everyone stunned speechless, but it was Natasha who recovered first.
" What do you mean Loki? You haven't done anything that needs forgiving." She said.
" Yes I have." Loki said softly, blinking his eyes rapidly, stubbornly keeping the tears at bay through sheer will as he elaborated.
" I let Menkos win, if I had been stronger none of this would have happened, your realm would not have been attacked, all those people, your friend the son of Coul, all of them would be alive is I had just fought harder." Loki said, his jaw starting to quiver a bit, but other than that he stayed composed and quietly dignified. But the pain shining in his eyes gave away his inner turmoil.
The mortals could not believe what they were hearing, what they were seeing. But before any of them could properly react, the door to the common room was bursting open, a frantic looking Thor all but crashing in, his face morphing into a look of sheer relief, behind him Njord and Jarl scrambled into the room as well, their long nails clacking against the floor as the both barked, seemingly relieved as well when their eyes fell on Loki.
" Brother." Thor breathed as he barreled across the room and threw his arms around Loki, holding him tightly as he spoke.
" Don't you ever do that to me again, I nearly yelled out for the guards when your illusion suddenly disappeared!" Thor cried before he remembered the room he had just walked into.
" Brother please, why do you torture yourself so, I have been telling you for all these hours, they do not blame you in the least for what happened." Thor continued, drawing back to eye his tearful brother.
All around him there were nods and quiet words of agreement from the Mortals at Thor's words.
" But Thor, it's my fault." Loki said softly as a single tear rolled down his cheek.
It was by far one of the worst things the mortals had ever seen, the person they had all found out was innocent of all crimes, the extraordinary being who had clawed his way tooth and nail out of hell itself, was blaming himself for all that had happened after he had been murdered.
" Loki, look at us, do any of us look like we blame you?" Jane said with tears forming in her own eyes, her disbelief evident.
" I can't help it, if I had just-" Loki began, but a slightly pissed off looking Clint stepped forward, getting right into Loki's face as he spoke.
" But nothing Loki. This is not on you, it was never on you. If me and Selvig over there don't blame you, well then you sure as hell can't blame yourself. The only person we blame for all of this is that son of a bitch, Menkos. Not you." Hawkeye said with conviction.
Around the room, every other person nodded, from Steve to Selvig.
Loki tried to say something, but his throat tightened painfully, killing all further speech as he turned his head away.
With a pain sigh Thor pulled Loki back into his arms, allowing Loki to almost burrow into his chest as the mortals all gathered around. Steve was the first to put a reassuring hand on Loki's quivering back, followed by Tony, then Clint, Natasha, Jane, Darcy, and finally Selvig, all of them banding together for the second prince of Asgard.
Their friend.
A couple of days later...
The golden hall of Asgard was filled to the brim with the people of Asgard, an excited buzz. The last time this hall had been filled, everyone had gathered to mourn the loss of the second prince. Now they were gathered to celebrate his triumphant return.
A loud, thunderous bang sounded, causing everyone to fall silent for it signaled that the event was about to begin. All eyes turned to the heavy doors of the hall, as the announcers voice sounded through the air.
" Observe, for comes forth the great warriors of Midgard." The voice boomed as the doors were pulled open.
First two lines of golden-armored guards filed into the hall with their spears in hand, coming to flank either side of the great aisle and thumping the ends of their spears as one as they stood to attention. Then cane the warriors of Midgard
In two straight lines, the Avengers, decked out in their battle gear, Steve in his red white and blues, Tony in his suit, the Hulk in his shredded pant, Natasha in her Black Widow garb, and Clint in his black and purple battle suit with bow and quiver over his shoulder, made their way into the great hall, smiling and waving at the crowd that cheered wildly as they walked down the long aisle, once again escorted by Volstaag, Fandral, Sif, and Hogun who were decked out in their best armor. The four of them were smiling, but there was still sadness in each of them. They carried out their duties with dignity and grace as they made their way down the hall. By the great throne of Asgard, Heimdall stood with his great sword held in from of him, looking on with warm, glowing amber eyes, a small smile over his usually stoic features.
Once the Avengers were at the steps of the great throne, they all quickly stood to one side as a group as the next announcement sounded with a loud thud.
" His Majesty Odin All-father with the Lady Darcy Lewis of Midgard. Her Majesty Frigga All-Mother with Sir Erik Selvig of Midgard, and his Majesty Crown Prince Thor with the Lady Jane Foster of Midgard." The voice announced.
The people of Asgard clapped loudly, some cheering as Odin came into the hall first, in full royal regalia with horned and feathered helmet and Gungnir grasped firmly in his hand. On his other arm was Darcy, looking like she was having the time of her life, dressed in an elegant burgundy gown, courtesy of Frigga. Speaking of Frigga, the Queen entered dressed in an gorgeous emerald green gown with a collar of shimmering diamond that spanned over her shoulders. Her hair was done up in an elegant up do with strands of diamonds braided in, forming an almost crown. Escorting her was Erik Selvig, looking abit nervous by smiling, dressed in a copper tones, Asgardian suit. And finally, behind the Queen and Selvig, a beaming Thor and Jane entered the hall, Thor dressed in his bright silver armor with Loki's pendant glinting luminously around his neck, and his winged helmet adorning in head. Mjolnir hung from his belt, taking on a ceremonial role on this day. On his arm, Jane walked dressed in a flowing cerulean blue gown, seeming to almost float across the floor as she moved.
The royals, with their mortal escorts quickly walked down the great aisle, to the applause and cheering of the crowd. When they reached the steps of the throne, Darcy, Selvig, and Jane all bowed to the royals who beamed back at them before they parted. Jane, Darcy, and Selvig were led to stand beside the Avengers by Sif, who then retook her place with the Warriors three a few feet behind them.
Unfortunately, there was no Jotun delegation this time around, and urgent matter in the realm barring Hellblindi from attending, but he had been invited and had expressed his sincere regret at not being able to attend this historic day in Asgard.
Odin had also planned on summoning Hela, but the Queen of Niflheim had refused, saying that she would meet Loki personally at a later date, deeming Loki's memories of her realm far too fresh for him to be comfortable seeing her just yet.
Odin climbed the steps of the hall, with Frigga and Thor flanking him on either side. As one they all turned to face their people, and the open doors of the hall. Odin, looking decades younger with happiness in his eye raised Gungnir and let its end fall to the floor, causing a thud to reverberate through the hall, silencing everyone.
" People of Asgard, we are gathered here to day to celebrate the return of the one we thought lost to us forever. Through the intervention of fate, the diligence of my eldest, the willing assistance of the warriors of Midgard, and through his own sheer strength through unimaginable adversity, today we are gathered to celebrate the return of this realm's second prince, a true gift given to me that I will cherish to the end of my days." Odin said, his voice reverberating through the entire hall.
There was a charged pause before Odin pointed his spear towards the doors to the great had and spoke for all to hear.
" Come forth, Loki Odinson, Prince of Asgard."
All eyes turned eagerly to the doors of the great hall as heavy footfalls lightly shook the floor as something big approached.
There were astonished gasps all around and Njord and Jarl, the two ice wolves came into the hall, in their truly awesome ice-forms. They moved with regal grace down the aisle pausing a few feet away from the door and standing to attention. Their ice-forms glitter and shone like prisms against the light as they stood almost like two statues.
Then there was a moment of stunned silence as the Prince in question calmly walked into the hall.
Loki looked every bit the regal prince, his ornate, newly crafted armor shining luminously in the light as his bright green cape billowed out behind him as he walked. It was very similar to the armor he had been wearing the day of Thor's botched coronation, but with a few key differences. For one thing, it had been made to fit his broader frame, and at the clasps where his cape attached to his shoulders were a pair of wolf motives within a circle of gold, the images snarling ferociously. Loki walked with his hair loose and falling about his shoulder in soft waves, forgoing the usual slick-backed style to lend a more rugged look. On Loki's right hand the three stones of the Norns' ring glinted softly in the light. Loki's eyes were almost glowing with life and veiled happiness as he walked past the two ice wolves who fell in behind him on either side, following in the prince's wake.
There was a hallowed silence over the hall, everyone smiling and taking in the sight of their second Prince, for he had an otherworldly quality to him. As he walked, Loki allowed a bright grin to spread across his face. It lit his whole face up and seemed to also seemed to break the collective uncertainty as the entire hall broke out in thunderous cheering and applause.
Loki smiled and walked with his head held high as he reached the dais. His smile widened as he caught sight of the Avengers and Jane, Darcy, and Selvig, all of them grinning bac at Loki. Even Tony had his HUD up and was grinning ear to ear as he sent Loki a thumbs up.
Thor and Frigga were beaming with joy as Loki came to stand before them, Njord and Jarl standing again behind him with all regality, while Odin had tenderness in his eye. Heimdall and Loki's eyes met, and they shared a small nod of mutual respect. When Loki's eyes fell on the warriors three and Sif, he still kept smiling, but there was a guardedness that fell over his green eyes. The Warriors Three and the Lady Sif all bowed before straightening up and joining in with the applause, smiling, albeit sadly. Loki sent a small nod their way before he turned back to face Odin.
Taking in a deep breath, Loki gracefully sank to one knee before the All-father. The entire hall fell back into silence as Odin let Gungnir fall once more with a resounding thud before he spoke.
" Loki, my son by choice of heart. You come before us returned from the roots of Yggdrasil itself. Are you ready to reclaim the life that was stolen from you?" Odin asked, his voice booming through the hall.
" Yes Allfather, I have come to reclaim my life." Loki said, his own voice sound and sure as it too reverberated through the hall.
" Are you ready to reclaim your title as a Prince of this realm, to fulfill all duties and responsibilities of that come with it?" Odin asked.
" Yes Allfather, I have come to reclaim my title and all said duties and responsibilities." Loki answered.
" Do you recognize she who is my wife and I as your Queen and King?" Odin asked.
" Yes Allfather, you are my King, and she is my Queen." Loki said, sending a brilliant smile Frigga's way, the queen's eyes already filling with tears.
" More importantly than that, do you Loki recognized the three of us you stand before you as your Father, Mother, and Brother respectively?" Odin asked, his voice wavering for the barest moment before growing steady once more.
" Yes Allfather, You are my father, she is my mother, and he is my brother and Crown Prince." Loki said as he smiled up at them. Thor blinked back the tears that came unbidden as he beamed back at his brother, pride written across his face.
" I have one final inquiry to make of you Loki Odinson." Odin said warm pride shining in his one eye as he gazed down at his child.
" Ask anything of me, my King." Loki said as he gazed up expectantly at the white haired king.
" Can the three of us who stand before you, be worthy of your love?" Odin finally asked, stunning Loki and the entire crowd.
Loki himself blinked, his face growing slack for a moment before he schooled his features once more and spoke.
" All-father, All-mother, and Crown Prince Thor, you three are worthy of my love. Always." Loki declared as his own eyes grew over-bright.
Letting out a shaky breath, Thor then turned as the captain of the royal guard came forward with a special object atop a plush square pillow, the guard gracefully sank to his knee and held out the item to the crown prince. Thor took the offered item, nodding to the guard before he turned and stepped over to Odin. Father and eldest son both stepped down from the dais, Odin leaving Gungnir standing on its own by the arm of his throne and came to stand before Loki who was still on one knee with his green cape billowed behind him.
On the pillow rested a shining, newly made golden helmet with two great, curving horns. Odin picked up the helmet with both hands, holding it aloft in the air for a few moments before lowering it down gently onto Loki's head. There was another moment of silence before Odin finally spoke.
" Rise Loki Odinson, and reclaim your rightful place, as a Prince of Asgard."
With a single tear rolling down his cheek, Loki with luminous helmet adorning his head, slowly rose to his feet. As one the three men ascended up the stair, Thor and Loki flanking Odin on either side as Njord and Jarl trotted off to join the Avengers were they were standing, all of them grinning ear to ear and maybe even a little teary eyed by what they had just witnessed.
The crowning of Loki.
Odin turned back to face his people, Frigga, already with tears of joy streaming down her face coming to stand at his side, with Thor and Loki flanking them. The royal family of Asgard gazed out at their people as Odin spoke.
" Observe people of Asgard, for the royal family stands before you, whole once more." Odin declared loudly.
There was another beat of silence before the entire hall simply erupted into ear-shattering cheering and applause.
As one they started cheering Loki's name.
" LOKI!...LOKI!...LOKI!...LOKI!..."
Loki had no time to truly process this and his mother and Brother both tackled him at once, proceeding to squeeze the daylights out of him as Odin watched on with a happy smile of his face. Heimdall too smiled openly as he watched the royal family, especially their youngest in this moment of triumph.
From where she sat on her obsidian throne, Hela smile. And from their place at the roots of Yggdrasil, Skuld, Urd, and Verdandi paused in their weaving of the cloth of destiny to see through the veil between the realms at their favorite's triumphant return to his place as a prince of Asgard.
After that, Asgard felt into a happy daze of celebrating. A feast in Loki's honor was held, and it spanned well into the night with Loki laughing brightly at the drunken antics of his brother and their Midgardian friends, some of whom may or may not had drunken too much mead, far too quickly. Surprisingly, the only one who did not get drunk that night was Tony, who still could not stand the mead no matter how hard he tried to fake it.
Needless to say the hangovers had been epic and Eir ended up running out of her hangover remedy quickly.
Three days later...
" My friends, I do not know how I can ever repay you all for everything that you have done for me." Thor said as he gazed at the smiling faces of Steve, Tony, Bruce, Clint, and Natasha.
They were all standing in the atrium of the Bifrost, the mortals packed and ready for what was undoubtedly the journey back to Midgard.
" Don't even start that up again Thor." Steve said as he and Thor shook hands warmly.
But they quickly grew somber as Thor subtly handed Steve a clear, paperweight like stone and spoke quietly to the Avengers.
" Will you see to it that the whole of Midgard knows of what has happened, so that they do not think it was all a lie, some trick of the mind?" Thor asked.
" For I would not have my brother put through that kind of hate if he were to set foot in your realm." Thor said, his protective instincts in overdrive.
" If you thought Pepper was on the warpath when she though your brother was dead, you ain't seen nothing once she finds out that he's alive, and that went through hell itself. Like I said, I'll have the world seeing things our way by the time you and Loki drop in." Tony said with a determined glint in his eye as he smiled at Thor.
" Thank you my friends." Thor said with sheer gratitude written across his face.
A few feet away, Loki and Jane were pulling back from the hug they had just shared.
" I am loath to see you all go, but I do understand that just as I have come home, you all must return to yours. But there is one thing I wish to give you Lady Jane." Loki said with a smile as with a flick of his wrist he conjured and small, leather bound book with aged pages. Loki discreetly held it out to Jane, winking at Heimdall who merely rolled his eyes and remained silent, the barest hint of a smile on his face.
" Loki, aren't you gonna get in trouble?" Jane asked as he reverently took the book from the Prince, letting out a breathless laugh when she saw that it was a book about the Bifrost.
" I'll probably get some grief if anyone finds out about it, but this book is not anything controversial enough to where it is forbidden. But mind you, it is for you three only and it just explains a few of the mechanics, nothing more." Loki explained with a mischievous glint in his bright green eyes.
Selvig laughed with delight as he enthusiastically shook a smiling Loki's hand. Darcy hugged Loki too before the four of them rejoined the main group.
" You must all come back soon." Loki said, smiling at the Avengers from where he stood beside Thor.
" Hey, next time Thor drops in, you come with him, we'd be happy to have you." Tony said as he and the others all nodded in agreement.
" I would be honored, but I doubt I'll be doing any inter-realm traveling at the moment, mother and father nearly keeled over when I told them I would be coming with Thor to see you all off, and I nearly had to magically bolt Njord and Jarl to the floor. And of course, you are no better, if not worse." Loki said as he sent a look of mock annoyance Thor's way, grinning widely as he watched the flush that filled his older brother's face before Thor playfully punched him in the shoulder.
There were chuckles all around. As the Avenger gathered around Loki, saying their goodbyes and making promises for the future, shaking hands and sharing hugs, Thor took Jane aside to speak with her privately.
" Jane, I would have you stay with me still, but it would not be fair to you for my focus is on helping my brother regain his life, for he struggles still with everything that has occurred, and the newfound love he is receiving from everyone here. Are you angry with me Jane?" Thor asked, looking every bit the kicked puppy.
Jane just gave a soft laugh and reached out to cup Thor's cheek tenderly as she spoke.
" Thor I understand perfectly, you don't need to explain yourself. You just got your brother back after he actually died. That is just mind-blowing by itself. I'm not gonna be mad that you wanna spend time with him. He's your little brother, and he is absolutely amazing. The only thing I am is happy that you got him back, and that he's innocent." Jane said as she smiled brightly up at Thor.
With an appreciative smile, Thor leaned down and captured Jane's lips in a deep kiss, earning some good natured cat-calls from Tony and Darcy, while the others smiled on happily, and Loki just grinned, still absolutely tickled that his brother, the mighty Thunderer of Asgard had lost his heart to a woman so petite in stature, but a formidable firecracker in all other aspects.
Then came bittersweet parting as Heimdall opened the the Bifrost and the mortals disappeared through the beam back to Midgard.
" We take our leave of you Heimdall." Loki said with a smile the gatekeeper's way.
" Very well, and please do return for we have yet to finish that conversation we started the day before." Heimdall said, returning Loki's smile with a respectful nod, his glowing amber eyes warm as he watched Thor and Loki leave the atrium and mount the two stallions that were waiting for them.
As he and Loki trotted off on their steeds back to the palace, Thor watched his brother with a smile on his face, eying the happiness that was shining within those deep green eyes. It was the happiness that came with being alive and being able to do things like gallop on a horse and head for home.
" Race you!" Loki shouted with a laugh as he urged his horse into a full gallop.
Thor let out a happy laugh and urged his own stallion forward. As the two princes raced along the shimmering expanse of the Bifrost, Thor made a silent and solemn vow to himself and to Loki.
There was still much left unsaid that needed to be said, much forgiveness still needed to be asked for and earned. Thor made a promise to himself and to his brother that he would rebuild that which had been shattered by a lie, and be the brother that Loki had always deserved but had to go through death and Hell to finally receive. Thor silently vowed that he would spend the rest of his life trying to be worthy of the extraordinary being he had the privilege of calling his brother.
But for right now, Thor would focus on doing his best to win the race, because he was losing rather spectacularly. The happy laughs of the two brothers filled the air as they headed home.
Author's note: Hi everyone, I just wanted to say thank you so much to everyone who has liked this story. I am writing to you all to tell you that I have to go on hiatus now, because real life, in the form of finals has reared its ugly head. I hope I have left this story at a good ending point for now, but know that this is not the end, cause there is still so much left that I can do. But right now I have to shift my priorities and focus exclusively on school work and also rest and recharge for what will truly be a grueling ordeal. But rest assured, once winter break gets here I will be back at it. And also, feel free to drop me any suggestions for what you would like to see happen.
Again, thank you everyone, I love you all, and I again reiterate that THIS IS NOT THE END!