°.✩┈┈∘*┈🌙┈*∘┈┈✩.°FOUND by MAGIC°.✩┈┈∘*┈🌙┈*∘┈┈✩.°
Loki's keen senses detected an unusual shift in the air as he was on his way to dine with his family in the grand halls of Asgard. His innate curiosity and mischievous nature urged him to investigate the source of the disturbance. As he followed the subtle trail of magic, he heard the sound of muffled whimpering and sniffles, which piqued his interest even more. With a mischievous grin, he crept through the winding corridors of the palace, his silver tongue ready to spin tales and charm anyone he might encounter on the way. As he got closer to the source of the sounds, they grew fainter and more elusive, as if teasing him to come closer.
The lamentable sound of sniffles and muffled whimpering had called on the curious and mischievous God, and none with a more curiouser disposition than his had wandered into the gardens, seeking out both the docile surge of magic and the sound of a frightened child in hiding. Finally, he rounded the corner of his mother's sacred garden and stumbled upon a sight that took his breath away. There, in the midst of the lush greenery and fragrant blooms, lay an ivory-skinned Midgardian child, barely the size of a toddler.
"Well, now, you don't belong here." Loki knelt beside the small child, marvelling at her delicate features and the mess of bushy, umber curls that fell into her face. He trailed a hand gently up and along her hair, noting the speckle of stardust that adorned her nose and cheeks. She slept soundly, curled up in a ball of slender limbs, tears drying on her reddened cheeks.
"How tiny," Loki murmured under his breath. After careful deliberation, Loki leaned in and carefully pulled the small girl into his arms. She was light, scarcely weighing anything at all, though he attributed that to her age and diminutive stature.
Making his way from the garden, Loki walked through the grand halls of Asgard. He couldn't help but notice the curious gazes of the guards who watched him with interest. However, he remained unfazed and continued to walk with a light and confident step. His mind was made up, and he had little regard for any scruples that might arise.
Arriving at his chambers, Loki waved his hand to open the doors, revealing a spacious and ornate room. He approached the end of his bed, where he gently laid a small, tired Midgardian girl. As he gazed down at her, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of empathy. She must have been exhausted from her travels.
Without a moment's hesitation, Loki procured a light blanket and carefully draped it over her. He watched her for a moment longer, admiring her peaceful expression, before turning to leave the room. As he passed by the guards once again, he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Such a strange feeling that settled inside him.
"Mother,"
Fridda lifted her head, a smile still lingering on her lips from the conversation with her eldest, Thor, when she noticed Loki's arrival. "My dear son, where have you been all day? You missed dinner." She brushed her hand over Loki's cheek and gazed into his emerald eyes, a fondness evident in her expression.
Loki nodded in acknowledgement, realising that he had indeed missed the meal. "Mother, if you have a moment, I require your guidance in a matter where your experience will surely be invaluable."
His vague request piqued Fridda's curiosity, as well as Thor's. Loki, however, could have done without his brother's presence. The smug grin on Thor's face was already beginning to irritate him. "What troubles you, brother, that you seek our mother's counsel?"
Loki replied respectfully to his mother but with a hint of sarcasm in his tone as he addressed his brother. "I fear it's nothing worthy of your attention, dear brother. Perhaps if a Troll had rampaged through Asgard, it would have entertained you and your merry band of brutes."
Fridda scolded her son, though her lips betrayed a hint of amusement. "Loki, that's enough. Let us go somewhere private, and you can tell me more about your concerns. Thor, please be respectful of your brother's privacy."
"As you wish, Mother," Thor replied with a slight nod to Loki before departing, likely to join his friends in training or boasting about his latest conquest.
Loki could only assume as much, for he had no desire to delve into his brother's mind. Thor's constant preoccupation with strength and ruling was tiresome. As the God of Mischief and master of words, Loki preferred to rely on his wit and cunning to achieve his goals. Where Thor was concerned, Loki tried hard not to delve into his brother's mind. A cluster of brawn over brains and mindless bemoaning of trials of greatness and throne succession he'd sooner tire of hearing.
"Mother," Loki offered his arm to his mother, who took it with a soft smile. As they left the grand hall, he led her towards his room, unsure how to approach the situation. "I suppose seeing is believing," he said with a smile, "but it would be unwise to lead you into such a situation with no information." Lowering his voice, he continued, "As you are aware, I made no appearance at dinner. Rather, my attention was completely monopolised by a...young lady?" He nodded, "Yes, a most lovely young lady whom I intend on introducing you to."
Fridda's eyes lit up at the mention of a potential love interest for her son. "My son, are you to introduce me to a prospective love interest? Truly?" she asked.
Loki cleared his throat before opening his door for her. "I wouldn't go so far as to call her a prospective anything, mother. Just, please..." he trailed off as she stepped inside, scanning the room with a curious eye.
As she approached Loki's bed, her eyes widened at the sight of a small child curled up and asleep. "A child? Ah, she doesn't appear to be Asgardian... where is she from?" she asked, her voice full of concern.
"I believe she's from Midgard," Loki replied. "I discovered her asleep in your garden. It appears she tired herself out, crying herself into a respite."
Fridda's demeanour softened as she gazed down at the sleeping child. "How kind of you to take her in, my son," she said, placing a gentle hand on Loki's shoulder. "But what will you do with her?"
Loki shrugged. "I was a bit uncertain as to what to do with her, but for tonight, it is late, and she is already asleep. I have chosen to let her dream until the forenoon."
Fridda nodded in agreement with Loki, understanding his need to protect the little girl. She took one last look at the sleeping child before turning to leave. "You are a good man, Loki," she said, placing a hand on her son's shoulder.
Loki couldn't deny the feeling of relief that washed over him. Despite being the God of Mischief, he had a strong sense of duty to protect those who needed it. And he knew he could always count on his mother's support, even in the most unexpected of situations. As he relaxed beside the child, he couldn't help but wonder what fate had brought her to Asgard. For now, he would let her dream, content in the knowledge that she was safe and protected under his watchful eye.
Fridda noticed the look of concern on her son's face and asked, "Where will you sleep, my son?"
"A guest room will suffice," Loki replied.
"I will call for a guard and instruct them to find you should this little one wake before the morning's light," Fridda said reassuringly.
Loki nodded in appreciation. He knew his mother would take care of everything. "What will you tell Father?" he asked.
"I will discuss the situation with him tonight and ensure she will be treated amicably. You've nothing to worry about, my son," Fridda replied, placing a hand on his shoulder.
Loki felt a slight weight lift from his shoulders before he departed with his mother. He walked her down the hall until they went their separate ways. As he walked, he committed the Asgardian guard's face to memory. He knew that he could never be too careful when it came to protecting the child.
Respectful of his mother, Loki trusted that she would handle the situation with his father. He felt content knowing that the little girl was safe and under his protection. Loki settled into the guest room for the night, his eyes on the ceiling above as he thought of the Midgardian parents who must be worried for the little princess occupying his bed chambers. "Tomorrow, I will return her home tomorrow."
Loki was stirred from his slumber by a soft knocking at his door. He rose from his bed, stumbled across the room, and opened the door to find a guard with a sniffling child by his side. The girl's tiny hand was clasping the guard's arm tightly, and her tear-streaked face looked up at Loki with a mix of vulnerability and fear. He knelt before her, his eyes soft and kind.
"I see the princess has woken up," he said, his voice gentle. "Good morning." The girl sniffled and wiped her tears away, studying him intently. Without further hesitation, she moved into his arms and wrapped them around his neck. He held her close, feeling the weight of her small body against his own. At that moment, he realised that she had only seen two people since arriving in Asgard- a guard with unwelcoming armour and himself in his sleepwear. He was relieved that she had chosen him to comfort her.
He dismissed the guard, who seemed grateful to be relieved of his duties, and closed the door behind him. Looking down at the little girl in his arms, he wondered what he should do with her. She spoke up, her voice small but determined.
"Tory."
Loki was taken aback by the little girl's request. "A story?" he repeated, surprised. "Do you want me to tell you a story?" The girl nodded eagerly, her head resting on his shoulder. Loki chuckled softly, realising that he had never been asked to tell a story before.
He settled into a comfortable chair by the large window of the guest room where he had slept. The girl curled up in his lap, her eyes wide and curious. Loki was careful not to move too suddenly, not wanting to startle her. He thought for a moment, trying to decide what story to tell. Finally, he began to recount a tale he had heard from the Midgardians, who thought themselves most knowledgable of Asgardians- a story they thought they knew well. Loki's soft and soothing voice captivated the little girl's attention as he narrated a wondrous tale. The story was about a peasant and his wife who lived a quiet life on their farm at the foot of a mountain. While the wife tended to her housework, the husband watched over his flocks in the fields or sometimes wandered up the mountainside to hunt for game, which he would bring home for dinner.
As Loki continued to speak, he could see the little girl's eyes light up in wonder. Utilising his mastery of illusions, he created vivid images in the air that helped to bring the story to life. The little girl watched with rapture as the scenes unfolded before her.
Loki painted a picture of the husband's journey up the mountain, where he stumbled upon a high-arched doorway leading into a great glacier. The passageway widened into a magnificent cavern, like a broad hall, sparkling with precious stones and long, shining stalactites that looked like icicles of marble. In the midst stood a beautiful goddess, surrounded by fair maidens, all dressed in silvery robes and crowned with flowers.
With a wave of his hand, Loki conjured a crown of verdant foliage with tiny blue blossoms entwined into it. The little girl's eyes widened as she reached out and beamed at the crown, her fingers grazing against the magically made diadem before he positioned it atop her bushel of coils.
"The wonder of this sight so overcame the shepherd that he sank to his knees," Loki continued, his voice low and melodious. "Then the goddess stretched forth her hands and gave him her blessing, telling him to choose whatever he wished to carry home from the cavern." Loki created a vivid image before the eyes of the little girl in his arms. Conjuring up an image of a shepherd, his clothes tattered and his face worn from years spent in the fields. The girl's eyes widened in wonder as she gazed upon the shepherd's weathered face.
Proud of himself, Loki grinned, though he still wasn't finished yet. He waved his hand, and the cavern materialised in greater detail before them, sparkling with jewels and illuminated by an otherworldly lustre. And there, amid it all, stood Frigga, his mother's beauty unsurpassed. The girl gasped in awe as she gazed upon the goddess. Loki's eyes twinkled playfully as the girl leaned forward, reaching out to touch the image of Frigga. But her fingers fazed through the illusion, leaving the girl understandably confused.
"Don't worry, little princess," Loki reassured her, "It's all just an illusion. But it's fun to tell stories with magic and make them come to life." The girl smiled at him, her eyes shining with wonder as Loki continued to narrate the fantastical tale for her. "The man was no longer afraid when he heard her kind voice speaking to him, so he looked about and, at last, humbly asked to have the pretty blue flowers that the fair one held in her hand."
As Loki spoke, he conjured a bouquet of blue flowers, their petals soft and delicate. The little girl's eyes widened in wonder as she reached out to touch them. Although he had never considered storytelling as a pastime, Loki found that his skills in this area were unparalleled. As the God of Mischief and Lies, his natural abilities lent themselves well to the art of storytelling. He continued to weave a magical tale for the little girl, using his illusions to enhance the experience.
"The lovely goddess Frigga smiled kindly and told the poor shepherd he had made a wise choice. She gave him her bunch of blue flowers with a measure of seed, saying, "You will live and be prosperous so long as the flowers do not fade." The peasant bowed thankfully before the goddess, and when he rose, she had vanished, and he was alone on the mountainside, just as usual, with no cavern, sparkling stones, and fair maidens to be seen. He would have thought it all a dream without the pretty blue flowers and the measure of seed in his hand."
Loki's voice trailed off, and he looked down at the little girl in his arms. She was still looking up at him, her eyes wide and full of wonder.
As Loki looked at her, he felt a sense of happiness. He realised that this was what life was truly about - the enchantment, the wonder, and the joy it brings. Even though he knew he was not always seen as a good person, Loki was starting to believe he could be a good person to those who mattered to him. However, he was aware of the judgement and discrimination that his Moniker brought upon him. Despite this, he continued with his story, determined to share it with this... Godsend.
"He hurried homeward to tell his wife, who was angry when she heard the story, for she thought he had made such a foolish choice. "How much better it would have been," said she, "if you had brought home some of those precious stones you tell about, which are worth money, instead of these good-for-nothing flowers!" The poor man bore her angry words quietly and made the best of what he had. He went to work at once to sow his seeds, which he found, to his surprise, was enough to plant several fields. Every morning before, he led his flock to pasture, and on his way home at night, he watched the little green shoots growing in his fields. Even his wife was pleased when she saw the lovely blue blossoms of the flax opening; after they had withered and fallen, the seeds formed. Sometimes it seemed to the good man, as he stood in the twilight looking over his field, that he saw a misty form, like the beautiful goddess, stretching out her hands over the field of flax to give it her blessing."
Loki continued to weave his illusions, creating a shower of glittering magic that fell from his fingertips. The little girl reached out, trying to touch the sparkling display, but the magic vanished into thin air each time she did. Loki chuckled at her childlike wonder, finding her innocence amusing and endearing. His illusions shifted and changed, taking on the form of a peasant working the fields. Frigga, the kind and gentle goddess, appeared before the peasant, showing him how to cultivate his crops and tend to his livestock. When the seeds had ripened, Frigga returned to teach the peasant how to harvest and weave the flax into fine linen, which he then sold to people from far and wide.
The peasant and his wife were blessed with enough money to spare, living a happy and fulfilled life surrounded by their children and grandchildren. As the years passed, the peasant noticed that the bunch of blue flowers given to him so long ago was beginning to fade, a sign that his time on Midgard was drawing close.
With a ready heart, the peasant climbed the mountainside to find the cavern door open once more. Frigga appeared before him, taking his hand and leading him away to stay with her, where she would always care for him. As the queen of the gods, Frigga helped her husband, Odin, govern the world, ensuring that children were looked after and families were cared for.
The little girl gazed up at Loki with wide, tear-filled eyes, captivated by the story he had just told. A sad image of a peasant fading into the heavens had left her heart heavy with sorrow. With a trembling finger, she pointed at the image; her voice choked with emotion as she whispered, "Frigga, mama."
Loki smiled warmly at her, "Ah, she is indeed a mother, my mother."
The girl's finger now jabbed at Loki's chest, her tiny voice fiercely determined, "Yours."
Loki's eyes sparkled with affection, "Mine." He felt an undeniable sense of protectiveness towards his mother, who had shown him love and kindness throughout his life. He didn't feel the same way about his father or brother, but his mother was his, and he would fiercely defend her honour.
She nodded, looking out the window as she stared off at the scenery she was unfamiliar with. "Not Mione's."
As Loki listened to the little girl mutter to herself, he couldn't help but be intrigued. "Mione's?" he asked gently, his curiosity piqued. "Mione, is that your name? Mione?"
Mione looked up at him, her big eyes blinking in surprise. She nodded, then shyly raised her hands to her chest. "Mione," she whispered, the sound barely audible.
"Loki," he brought his own hand up to his chest and watched her take in the familiar action. She repeated his name, pointing back at him, and he nodded.
As the morning light barely started to filter into the room, he considered how much time he had left with the tiny princess. He had always enjoyed playing tricks and entertaining others with his illusions, and he knew he had found the perfect partner in this sweet little girl. The way her eyes lit up at his magic told him that she would be thrilled with any illusory fun they got up to. With a wave of his hand, he used his magic to dress her up in a beautiful Asgardian dress fit for a princess, complete with the headdress he'd made for her earlier. Mione's eyes lit up with wonder and amazement as she looked at herself in the mirror. Though her wild mane still looked to have a mind all its own. Deciding that the day was too beautiful to spend inside, Loki took her on a tour of the palace, showing her his secret passageways and the many hidden rooms he knew about.
Much of their time was spent playing hide and seek with the guards, giggling and laughing as they outfoxed the guards on patrol. Using his illusions and trickery, he could move or hide her in plain sight. She quickly realised what the game was, holding a finger to her lips as he gazed up into his eyes. Playful laughs that she often couldn't contain, still thinking herself a master of stealth.
It was midday by the time Loki acknowledged what he needed to do. The reality of the situation was heavy, and he could not, in good conscience, keep this child of Midgard from her family. He would need to speak with the All-Father about Mione, and he wasn't looking forward to the conversation. Tearing his gaze away from the girl, still playfully outsmarting the guards, he mentally cursed before adjusting his outfit and calling out to Mione with his hand held out for her.
As Loki sauntered into the throne room, he couldn't help but feel a pang of annoyance when he saw that his brother, Thor, was already wide awake and in the presence of their parents. He suppressed the look of irritation that had crept onto his face and confidently strode inside with a tiny Midgardian princess clinging to his cloak.
"Ah, Loki! My dear brother, pray to tell, who is this tiny human accompanying you?" Thor inquired, his voice dripping with amusement.
Loki spared his brother a cursory glance before turning to their mother and father. He bowed respectfully to both of them before extending his hand to the little girl beside him. Without hesitation, she reached up and took it, her eyes wide with wonder.
Allowing himself a small smile, Loki magically dressed her in a dress befitting of a tiny princess, with a colour scheme as close to his preference as possible. She had been ecstatic with the change of clothes, twirling and dancing around in the flowy fabric for half an hour. She still wore her flower crown, and he had no intention of taking it away from her either.
He turned his attention back to his family. "This is Lady Mione, a Midgardian child who stumbled upon Asgard alone. Father, I humbly request that you allow me to return her to her Midgardian family."
Thor chuckled at his brother's request. "How did a mere mortal child end up in Asgard?"
"Magic, dear brother," Loki retorted. Though he had no concrete proof, he could at least determine that she hadn't arrived via the Bifrost. That left only a few other possibilities, one of which was magic.
Their mother, Frigga, interjected, her voice gentle yet firm. "Magic is not uncommon in Midgard, but she is very young. I worry for her."
Loki felt similarly but would not dare voice his concerns before his elder brother.
"Midgard is not without its dangers," Odin spoke clearly, his eyes on the small child by his youngest son's side.
Thor rolled his eyes, a smirk playing on his lips. "Oh, brother, always the doting one. You have a heart as soft as"
"Soft, brother?" Loki snarled without allowing Thor to continue. He cut him off, eyebrow arched, "And yet, who always comes to me for help when he finds himself in a sticky situation?"
Thor's grin widened. "Touché, brother. Touché."
Loki glared at his brother with annoyance, feeling the urge to roll his eyes. But he took a deep breath and gathered himself, aware that he needed to keep his cool in front of their parents.
The room was silent, except for the restless swaying of the girl's hand in his. He crouched beside her and lifted her up, sensing her unease. Then, he turned to face his family, his eyes meeting Thor's.
Thor opened his mouth to say something, but no words came out. For once, he was speechless. Loki couldn't help but feel satisfied with this turn of events. He had never known his brother to be quiet before. While he couldn't take full responsibility for it this time, he was pleased to have had a hand in it.
"Mione?" Fridda asked, breaking the silence.
Loki gave a slight nod, acknowledging the girl in his arms. "She introduced herself in a somewhat roundabout manner," he admitted, "after I had just finished telling her a story, in fact."
Thor burst out laughing. "My brother, the minstrel."
Loki shot him a sarcastic smile. "Hold your tongue, Thor," he retorted, "and let the adults speak."
"Silence!" Odin had finally had enough, his voice booming in a way that made the girl in Loki's arms curl up against him. "This is a serious matter," he said, "we cannot ignore the fact that she has arrived here unannounced."
Loki drew himself up and turned to his father. "I understand the urgency of the situation," he said, "but let's not forget that she is just a child. A frightened one at that. You are an impressive figure, Father, but you can come off rather intimidating."
Fridda rested her hand over her husband's. "Odin, my love," she said, "do not scare her. She is not to blame for her unforeseen arrival. She is not familiar with the ways of magic." Turning to her son, she added, "She needs a guide, not reprimanding."
Loki nodded in agreement.
Mione, the small child she was, had remained quiet longer than Loki had expected while playing with a lock of his hair. Finally pulling away, she pointed at his mother. "Frigga, Loki's Mama?"
Loki nodded. Somehow he maintained an air of indifference, desperate to avoid teasing remarks from his brother. "Yes. She is."
Thor crossed his arms over his chest and watched all of this unfold, but to Loki's relief, he did not tease him.
"Pretty," she said so sweetly, so innocently. It was all he could do not to pull her into a tight hug simply from how adorable she was.
The compliment was well received by Frigga, who shifted gaily beside her husband.
Odin smirked, "You requested to take her home to Midgard, and I will permit you to do just that. However, what will you do should she do this again? That she can leap across realms implies that no realm is out of her reach. Not all are so peaceable as Asgard."
It was something Loki had already considered, and he'd also devised his own solution. "I have a contingency plan already in effect, should such happen again."
To Loki's surprise, Odin did not ask for more information. He nodded his head and waved his dismissal. Mione was now facing Odin, Frigga and Thor as Loki walked out with her still in his arms. She waved goodbye to the three, who returned the small goodbye with varying expressions of humour.
Mione's wide eyes darted around in amazement as she stood at the Observatory, taking in the breathtaking view of Asgard. The towering buildings and magnificent architecture were unlike anything she had ever seen. However, her excitement quickly turned into nerves when Heimdall activated the Bifrost, transporting them to Midgard.
Loki could feel her tense up in his arms as they journeyed across the realms. He held her close, reassuring her that she was safe and sound. When they landed on Midgard soil, he gently set her down and brushed off her clothes. Looking around, this was the first time Loki had ever set foot on Midgard. The realm of humans. He had heard tales of the strange creatures that resided there but had never seen them for himself. As he gazed around, he couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and curiosity. The stark contrast between Asgard's towering buildings and Midgard's more modest structures was striking. He wanted to explore this world, but he wouldn't dare abandon the girl beside him.
Brushing away the thoughts in his mind, he ignored the voice that told him to return the girl home and be on his way. Taking so much care of the girl, ensuring she was alright to continue; how unlike him. No, it wasn't. He was mischievous and enjoyed his bouts of trickery, but he was not cruel. "Mione," he called out to her and watched as she lifted her watery eyes to him, "shall we go? Your mother and father must be dreadfully worried about you."
She reached up and was, once again, lifted into his arms. He knew where he was and where he was going. As they walked down the street, Loki scanned the houses, trying to figure out which belonged to Mione. Then, he saw a couple sitting on the curb, wrapped in each other's arms. The woman had wavy brown hair that reminded him of someone he knew. The man had darker brown hair that was cut above his ears. The woman looked exhausted and frail, while the man appeared emotional.
Loki couldn't help but notice the fear and tension in the air as he approached the couple. "Excuse me," he said softly, trying to break the silence. "Is this a bad time?" The couple jumped at the sound of his voice and looked at him with suspicion.
"...Hermione?" The woman jumped up and ran towards them, tears streaming down her face. She hugged Mione tightly and kissed her forehead repeatedly. "My little girl, you had me so worried. Where have you been?!"
"Loki!" she exclaimed, beaming with pride. While she couldn't tell her mother where she had been, she could at least tell her who she had been with.
Loki chuckled and helped her into her mother's arms. "If you must know where she was, look to the stars. Your magically gifted daughter travelled to Asgard. A most noteworthy accomplishment. She has been a delight to have."
The couple looked at each other in disbelief and then turned their attention back towards Loki. "Who are you?" the man asked in a stern voice.
"I am Loki Odinson, the youngest son of Odin. I discovered your daughter in my mother's garden," Loki replied, trying to sound as convincing as possible. He stepped back and continued, "I have placed a tracking spell on your daughter in case she manages to cross realms again. Among the nine realms, Asgard is the least hostile. It would ease my mind to know that should this happen again, I could get to her and bring her home safely."
The woman looked at him with a mixture of awe and scepticism. "Are you serious? Are you really Loki? My daughter magicked away to another world?" Her voice was filled with wonder, suspicion and incredulity.
Loki stood before Hermione's parents, trying to appear trustworthy. "Yes, I am Loki," he said, his voice calm and measured. He knew that gaining their trust would be difficult, but he also knew it was necessary. "Your daughter is a gifted individual, and her ability to travel the stars is not something that even the most magically trained can do. I would fear for her safety if she were to do it again without proper guidance. She must be taught how to control her talents, and I am willing to take on that responsibility."
The couple exchanged a look of uncertainty before finally nodding in agreement. They were relieved their daughter was back safe and sound, but they were still mindful of the stranger who claimed to be a god.
"It is as I've told you," Loki continued. "Hermione needs to be taken care of and kept safe until she is old enough to begin learning to control her talents. To ensure this occurs, I have taken it upon myself to secure her safety should she traverse the stars again." He shifted his weight, then held a hand out to Hermione. She took it, and he smiled at her. "I must leave now, little Midgardian princess," he said. "But next time we meet, I will teach you of the magic you possess."
"Loki," Hermione's father spoke. "Thank you for returning our daughter to us. I don't know what we would have done if she had-" he stopped at the tightening in his chest and took a deep breath. "Thank you."
If he were being honest, Loki was glad that the two Midgardians hadn't trusted him immediately. "What are your names, if I may ask?"
"Helen Granger," Hermione's mother said, pointing to herself.
"And I'm John Granger. Of course, this is our curious little girl, Hermione Granger."
Loki nodded solemnly, committing the names of the family to memory. He took a few steps away from them, checking the area for any signs of danger. The streetlights were lit, and there was no one else in sight. It was safe. But as he turned to say goodbye to Hermione, he felt a pang of sadness. He had grown fond of the little girl in the short time he had known her and knew he would miss her dearly.
"You going?" Hermione asked, her voice quivering with emotion.
Loki nodded, trying to keep his own emotions in check. "I have to go, little one. But I promise I'll be watching over you."
Hermione's lower lip trembled as she fought back tears. "Don't go. Stay."
Loki smiled softly, his heart breaking at her words. "I wish I could, little one. But I have to go back to Asgard."
Hermione's eyes welled up with tears, struggling out of her mother's arms until she was on her own two feet. She ran forward and threw herself into Loki's arms. "Please don't go. Please stay."
Loki held her close, feeling the weight of her tiny body against his chest. He had never been good with emotions or goodbyes, and this was no exception. Goodbyes were hard and sad, and very seldom were they easy. Saying goodbye hurt Loki, but he knew that it was the right thing to do. "I have to go, little one," he whispered, stroking her hair gently as he stood and returned to her parents. "But I promise I'll be back to visit you soon."
Hermione sniffled, wiping her tears away. "Promise?"
Loki grinned, a mischievous glint in his eye. "I promise. And maybe next time, I'll even teach you a few tricks."
Hermione's eyes lit up with excitement. "Really?"
Loki nodded, ruffling her hair playfully. "Really. But for now, I have to go." He helped her back into her mother's arms and then returned to the middle of the street. "Heimdall, take me home."
As he turned to leave, he saw Hermione look at him from where she was embraced warmly by her mother. He raised his hand in a small farewell, and she lifted her stubby fingers to do the same. Then he was gone in the Bifrost.
"LOKI!" Hermione's cry echoed through the street as she watched him disappear, her slight form shaking with sobs. The sound of her cries seemed to echo in his ears, and Loki knew that he would never forget this moment.
The journey back to the Observatory was long and uneventful. Loki's mind was still consumed with thoughts of the little girl he had left behind. It was difficult for him to shake off the memory of her tear-streaked face and her voice calling out for him as he departed. Lost in thought, he stood silent before the all-hearing, all-seeing Asgardian when a voice suddenly broke through his fitful reflecting.
"She is calling out for you, mourning your disappearance," Heimdall said solemnly.
Loki's heart sank at the news that Hermione was already missing him. He had never been good with emotions or goodbyes, and this was no exception. The weight of despair grew heavier as Loki contemplated the pain he had caused the young girl. "Will you watch over her for me?" he asked Heimdall. "If she should ever need help or find herself in danger, please inform me."
Heimdall nodded, "Of course."
Loki left the Observatory with a heavy heart, knowing full well that he had left Hermione behind. He couldn't shake off the feeling that he had let her down, yet Loki found solace in knowing she would be cared for and kept safe while he lived. As he made his way back to Asgard, hope flickered within him. He could do something good for once, something that would make a difference in this little girl's life. After all, who else would teach her the ways of her magic? He knew he would see her again, and that thought comforted him.
As Loki approached the grand palace gates, he saw Thor waiting for him.
"Brother!" Thor's voice boomed with warmth and excitement. "Welcome back from Midgard!"
Loki rolled his eyes at Thor's playfulness. "I suppose it's good to be back."
Thor's grin faded as he noticed the sadness in Loki's eyes. "What's wrong, Loki? Did something happen on Midgard?"
For a moment, Loki hesitated. He didn't want to burden Thor with his troubles. But the concern in his brother's voice was too genuine to ignore. "It's nothing. Just...Mione. I had to leave her behind, and she was hurting. I couldn't do anything to ease her pain."
Thor placed a comforting hand on Loki's shoulder. His concern was evident. "I'm sorry, brother. You know I'm here for you if you need me."
Loki nodded, grateful for Thor's support. And then, much to his surprise, Thor wrapped him in a tight hug. The unexpected gesture caught Loki off guard, but he melted into the embrace. Thor's arms were strong and warm; for a moment, Loki felt safe and protected.
"Oh, we're hugging, I see," Loki groaned uncomfortably. "Too long, I think. Yes, you can let me go now, brother."
Thor laughed, tightening his arms further around Loki. "Not yet. I think there's still much more love to share!"
"There isn't," Loki protested weakly, but he couldn't help but feel grateful for the warmth of Thor's embrace.
"Come on, Loki. Let's grab a drink and catch up. I heard Mother was trying to convince our father of a daughter in the near future."
Loki couldn't help but smile at his brother's infectious enthusiasm. He felt warmth spreading through him for the first time in a while. "I would certainly hope not. Any more siblings in this family couldn't possibly spell out anything good for Father or his rule over Asgard," he joked.
Thor chuckled, the sound making Loki feel better. The banter between them was light and playful, and for a moment, Loki forgot about his troubles. As they made their way to the drinking hall, Loki couldn't help but feel grateful for his brother's presence. The hug had been unexpected, but it helped ease some of his emotional turmoil. Thor had always brought a smile to his face, despite how they often found themselves at odds with one another, and this time was no different.
LOKI AND HERMIONE WILL RETURN
IN PART TWO