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At last, a brand new, never before seen chapter

I have the next one figured out too. It just needs typed.

Part Five

The trip back to the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier was taken mostly in silence, Loki showing no interest in conversing with his long time enemies. Instead he focused all his attention on his young daughter. As for the Avengers themselves, well they were still somewhat shocked by the sight of the god acting the devoted Mother.

Unknown to them though, while Loki was a caring parent, there were other things on his mind. He fully expected that once they arrived, he would never see Ariana again. As long as she was happy, the raven-haired man told himself. That was all that mattered.

The sorcerer had heard of other children of supervillians whom had chosen paths contrary to those of their parents. The Scarlet Witch and her brother, what was his name? Silver-something? They were Magneto's. And one of the X-Men, the girl with the white streaks in her hair, she was the daughter of a terrorist. Very few here in Midgard seemed to hold their heritage against them; though he knew that the same would not have held true in the land he was raised in.

For all their talk of superiority, there were many things here on Earth that Loki had realized were better than in the realm of the gods. The humans probably would have been shocked, the sorcerer reflected, if they knew just how much his years on this planet had taught him. In the past, he had believed he deserved the Allfather's punishments, in spite of doing his best to avoid them.

Consequences for various infractions over the years had been harsh to say the least. Punishments that would not have been levied on any other of Asgard's citizen's for the same action. The incident that had started with him cutting off Sif's hair (and he had been provoked no matter what anyone else said) and ended with his lips being sewn shut in front of the entire court came to mind.

Loki had never believed it had been right or just, and now he knew it had been flat out wrong. Just as the Aesir had been wrong to mock him for his skill with magic. Or his preference to spend time in the Royal Library rather then swinging large pieces of metal around in the practice yards. Different did not mean inferior he know knew, just different.

Once, several centuries ago, before he had given up on the other ever recognizing his worth, Thor and the Warriors Three had decided to venture into the most untamed parts of the dark elves' realm, to confront a monster which was known to prey upon travelers there. It was not Asgard's business by any means. His brother just wanted the adventure, and perhaps a share of the rumored treasure.

Even now Thor was arrogant, but back then he had been worse. The golden prince hadn't been capable of even imagining the possibility of failure. Loki wasn't so optimistic. So, while Thor and his friends were sharpening their weapons and congratulating themselves on their premature victory, the sorcerer had slipped away to do some research.

Though the kill had ultimately been Fandral's, Loki knew, knew, he had saved all their lives that day. It had been he who had known the monster's weak spot. He who had shielded his companions, using his magic to blind the beast. A small grimace crossed slender man's face, even after all these years, he still remembered the words Thor had spoken as he smacked him on the back. Without your tricks brother, you would be useless in battle.

The Avengers and SHIELD were his enemies true, or had been at least. Loki still wasn't quite sure what the future would hold. But they respected his power in battle. The fact that he used magic instead of steel would never make him weaker in their eyes. That there was nothing wrong with him, that it was alright to be proud of his skills was a lesson the god would always be grateful for, even though he would never say as much aloud.

Loki was so lost in thought, he didn't even notice when they landed. Not until Steve Rogers called his name. He blinked, suddenly aware that the vehicle was mostly empty. Rising to his feet, he shifted Ariana to his left hip, only to pause when the captain extended a hand to help him down the metal steps.

Captain America blushed faintly as those green eyes bored into him. Loki was hardly some damsel in distress, but he was a mother, and he was holding a baby. It was just good manners. He kept his hand extended, honestly surprised when the other allowed him to help him to the ground.

Upon reaching said ground, the hand was immediately released. The green clad man, minus the horned helm, lifting his chin as he regarded the mortals who were trying not to stare at him. He was Loki, god of mischief, lord of lies, and he was not ashamed of anything. Especially not his daughter.

Eye of the Beholder

Yes, I have decided to keep the parts short

but that means updates will be quicker