The Fall of Loki Odinsson: The Rise of Loki Friggasson
Disclaimer: I do not own Marvel, Disney, or any companies affiliated with the before mentioned companies. All characters -except Crystal- are owned by Marvel and it's affiliate companies. This is a work of pure entertainment and no copyright infringement is intended.
Summary: Loki finds happiness on Midgard in the form of the Avengers and a quirky mortal that Darcy Lewis may or may not have set him up to meet. Loki learns how to accept himself and that joy can be found anywhere. : Loki finds happiness on Midgard in the form of the Avengers and a quirky mortal that Darcy Lewis may or may not have set him up to meet. Loki learns how to accept himself and that joy can be found anywhere.
Warnings: Everyone is worried about Thor's sporadic behavior and his departure to Asgard. Selvig talks and cooperates with Loki. Loki's eyes are opened to a larger truth. The hooded figure is revealed. More to come in later chapters.
######### Chapter 10: Thor Did What?! #########
********* The first day of domestic life: Nine months on Midgard *********
Tony paces the floor as he calls Loki. "I thought Thor wanted Loki to be good, happy, and safe! Why in the hell would he go back to Asgard!"
Steve looks at Tony and the others. "He's been acting funny ever since we beat Ultron. Sometimes he's Thor and sometimes he's someone else."
Natasha nods. "We have to figure out who is pulling his strings."
Jane and Darcy walk in and Jane nudges Darcy. "Selvig may know." Darcy says looking around the room. "He skipped out on one of his and Crystal's nightly debates to do something with Thor."
Natasha judges Darcy for dishonesty -old habit- and finds truth. "Did he say what they were doing?"
Darcy nods and takes off her coat. "Yeah, something about a Noes Cave. I was busy dodging shoes."
Jane looks at Darcy. "I'm calling Erik. Everyone else find a way to reach Loki."
Erik is busy correcting his own paperwork. He's very upset with Thor right now because his temper tantrum has sent his best mind into a forced vacation. He's read the same paragraph seven times and understands Crystal's frustration. He's ready to throw his shoes across the room when his phone starts ringing. "Dr. Erik Selvig speaking."
Jane sighs. "Erik, thank God. It's me Jane. We need your help at the Tower. Now! I will explain when you get here."
Erik nods and closes his folder. "I'm on my way!"
Loki wakes up and answers his phone. "What?"
Tony chuckles. "I never thought that I would love the sound of your voice. Thor has left for Asgard. We need you and Crystal here now."
Loki falls out of bed. "No. She's safer with Stephen. I'm on my way! Stephen! Protect Crystal with your life!" The call ends.
Selvig and Loki arrive ten minutes later. Erik looks at Loki. He notices that his hair is wild and curly. He looks younger and that his eyes are green. Loki nods to Selvig. Selvig returns the nod.
Darcy nudges Selvig. "Go ahead tell them about Thor and the Noes Cave."
Erik stares at Darcy for a moment. "You mean the Norns Cave. He entered the Norns cave to find a way to stop Ultron."
Loki's eyes go wide. "Thor did what!"
Erik looks at Loki confused. "He entered the Norns Cave, why do you look like it was the most impossible thing to believe?"
Loki begins to pace. "And he's alive which means the Norns are pulling his strings."
Steve stops Loki and sets him on the couch. "Loki explain. Please."
Loki sighs and breaths deeply. "The Norns can be reached on each of the Nine Worlds using a mystical portal. Most of these portals are in the forms of pools hidden deep within caves. The Norns usually demand a sacrifice before divulging any information. The individual in the pool is usually the intended sacrifice. They let him go for a reason."
Erik looks at Loki. "What do you mean let him go?"
Loki looks around the room and sighs. "The Norns usually kill and keep the soul of the individual in the Pool. This means the Norns are pulling Thor's strings. They needed him alive to enact their wishes. We cannot stop him."
Tony scoffs. "No. We can stop him. We just have to figure out how. The Norns have a weakness right?"
Loki shakes his head. "No. The world itself seems uninhabited but the power is obvious. They require no true physical form. The true Norns have the power to manipulate destiny. I fear all we can do is follow the path before us."
Erik looks at Loki and shakes his head. "That can't be right. Each Norse myth we have found ends with you starting Ragnarok."
Loki shakes his head. "Each a previous life. Mother explained it to me when Thor and I were children. She told us that the Norns always set out two paths. Sometimes the two paths lead to the same end but sometimes they lead to a new destination."
Erik looks at Loki and his eyes go wide as he rummages through his briefcase. He pulls out a small stack of sketch pad paper. "Two paths you say? Loki you may want to have a look at these."
Loki nods and takes the sketches Selvig hands him. The first sketch is a woman standing at a fork in the road. One path is barren with an old man covered in jewels pointing a spear at her. The other path is lush but covered in snow and a young man kneels looking at the ground. He flips through the sketches. One sketch is a side by side picture. One side a chest of great riches lay open in a burning field. The other half of the sketch is a single heart shaped gem in a field of ripe wheat.
Loki looks carefully at each of the sketches. Each sketch holds two paths. He looks up at everyone. "By the Norns. She's having visions. These are not mere dreams. Erik, are there more?"
Erik nods and motions for Loki to follow him. "She keeps a sketch pad in her office."
The cloaked figure stands over Crystal. Gentle hands weave healing magic over her sleeping form when Dr. Strange walks in to check on Crystal. "Hello Stephen."
Dr. Strange walks cautiously over to the cloaked figure. "Who are you and why are you here?" He watches as the spell takes hold and Crystal looks healthier.
The figure pulls the hood back. "I am Loki's mother, Frigga of Vanaheim. My purpose is to pass on the knowledge of the All-Mother."