Crown Prince Loki was looking through the illegal trades that were happening in Asgard, looking to see if there was anything useful. So far, he hadn't seen anything of use until he saw her. A winged, tortured creature, chained to a pole. The seller had seen his interest and told him that she was the most dangerous thing he had and was very expensive. Despite the price, Loki was intrigued.
The seller laughed and said there was no way he could ever bring her home. Challenge accepted, Loki approached the creature.
He noted the fear in the eyes of the market-goers, assuming they were afraid of or in awe of their prince.
The little winged creature curled in a ball, absolutely beautiful, but damaged. A barrier, that none could breach grew around her and all seemed terrified of her.
"Merry meet, God of Mischief. I am called Khristiel. But you can call me Khri."
Loki's smirk grew into a small smile as he looked at the female creature. "And merry meet to you, Khri, the most dangerous thing in this market. Tell me, why do all of these people look so scared of you?" He gestured to the fleeing market goers
Khri looked sad at that. "That is because their lies have been revealed by my barrier."
Loki's eyes sparkled with interest and he chuckled slightly. "And what kind of being are you? The barrier around you is something I've never seen before." He examined the barrier that surrounded her, his eyes studying it intently.
"If you wish to take me home then you must cross the barrier."
Loki's smirk grew wider at her warning "Oh, I do love a good trick. Tell me, what is it that I would lose if I were to touch this golden barrier of yours?" His fingers twitched at his side, though he didn't move any closer to the barrier.
Khri smiled, showing her teeth. "Your lie."
His eyebrows shot up in surprise at her response before a sly grin spread across his face. "Well then, I suppose it's a good thing I'm not the lying type." He lied, as he took a step closer to the creature, his eyes never leaving hers.
"If you want to take me home you must get past my barrier. I will not be going home with you, God of Lies."
He chuckled at her words, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Well, then I suppose I'll just have to prove my honesty." He took another step closer to her, reaching out a hand towards her barrier.
Khri suddenly seemed concerned and threw out a hand to stop him. "You must not!"
He stopped his hand, hovering just before her barrier at her reaction. He raised an eyebrow at her sudden concern, cocking his head to the side as he studied her. "My, my. You're quite protective of this barrier."
"Not of the barrier, fool."
He started at her words, his eyes flashing with curiosity. He kept his hand hovering over the barrier, studying her for a moment before lowering it back to his side. "Then what, may I ask, are you protecting?"
"Your lie," Khri repeated maddeningly.
His lips curled into a smirk. He took a step back, crossing his arms over his chest as he studied her. "You think I'm lying to you?" He chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement "Oh, my dear."
"That is not the lie I speak of. If you wish to know the touch and see. If not then leave. Either way you shall not take me home. Your horror will be too great." Khri gestured at the marketplace and Loki realized the evidence of truth revealed: wives screaming at husbands over infidelity, thieves being struck down, secret criminals strung up on a nearby tree.
He studied the creature for a moment before giving her a small smirk. He stepped forward, reaching his hand towards the barrier again. "If that's what you truly want, then I suppose I have no choice."
He waved his hand and the barrier dropped. He turned back to the strange creature and stepped forward her. "There, you see? No need to be afraid." His tone softer, he moved closer to her side.
The holy magic flowed into him and he was knocked off her to the ground, his Jotunn form revealed, as the market goers lifted weapons toward him threateningly.
"I warned you…" Khri whispered, tears falling.
The transformation caught Loki off guard. The massive form of his Jotunn heritage emerging and forcing him to the ground. He grunted but quickly rolled out of the way of an incoming blow. He glared up at the men above him, his eyes glinting with rage. "You dare?!"
The others in the marketplace stared and scorned him. The chained creature began to weep. "Please. go. I…I have no wish to see you hurt."
Loki snarled at the crowd that stared at him, before turning back to her, His expression softer. "Why are they scared of me?" He said to himself in a broken tone. He pouted and muttered under his breath. "I am not going anywhere." He turned back to the creature. "I am taking what's mine."
"I can feel their hatred." The pitiful angel whispered. "You are in danger. do you not wish to escape?" She looked up at him.
Loki grumbled at her words and shook his head. "I will not escape. I just bought you. You are coming with me, whether they like it or not." He took a few moments to think about what to do next before he turned to her with a determined look in his eyes.
Khri stood, her body very beautiful but her wings destroyed. "I'd like to smite them. May I smite them?"
He looked over at her, his eyes narrowing in thought. "You want to... smite them?" He chuckled lightly, amused but also a little nervous. "I don't think that's the best idea..."
"Oh cmon." Her eyes glowed bright blue. "Don't you think they deserve it? look at them… their hatred of your true form… I promise, I won't kill them…"
Loki looked at the people, his anger rising again as he saw the hatred in their eyes. His lips curled into a snarl as he turned to her, his eyes glowing green. "You promise?" He growled, sounding a little unsure but also intrigued. "Fine..."
"Alright." Khri said conspiratorially. "Listen carefully. I need you to grab that blue vial and throw it at me as hard as you can. smiles and then curl into a ball and close your eyes. I wouldn't want you to die."
He stared at her, his eyes narrowing again. He hesitated but then nodded, reaching for the blue vial and throwing it at the angel with all his might. He then curled into a ball and closed his eyes, bracing himself for the impact.
The angel shone as bright as a glowing star and everyone collapsed, their eyes burned away, as her wings reformed and Khri tapped him on the shoulder. "Loki?"
He slowly uncurled himself, looking around cautiously before turning to her. He stares in shock as he sees you standing there, glowing like a star and without the collar around your neck. What...what the hell did you do? *
"Oh?" Khri looked her own healed body over. "That was my… power source I guess you'd say." The glow died down. "They ripped it out of me. Would you like to return to Asgard now?" She held out her hand.
Loki looked at Khri's hand and then back to her, tilting his head in confusion. He didn't know what to make of her, but he knew he saved her. After a moment, he took her hand, nodding and then looking around. "I suppose it is better for us to leave here."
Khri looked around, all the market people's eyes burned out, and she gave him a twisted smile. "They deserved this…"
Loki looked around, seeing the blinded men and women, and couldn't help but agree. He knew they were thieves, and this kind of punishment seemed too extreme. Yet, he didn't say anything, giving Khri a small smile as he lead her out of there.
"They looked at you… like you were a monster… when in truth you are not…." She fell silent. "and now they will never look at anything. Ever again." Khri smiled. "Consider this pledging my fealty, God of Mischief."
Loki's eyes widened in shock at her words. He didn't expect her to defend him, feeling strange, a bit unsettled, but also... touched. He had never had someone who stood up for him. "Thank you..." He looked away for a moment before beckoning her to move.
Khri gripped his hands, and with a flutter of her wings, they were in Asgard once more.
Loki's eyebrows disappeared into his hairline as he was suddenly pulled into another realm, in this case, Asgard. He managed to keep the shock away but almost grinned at Khri's strength, his hand around hers tightly. "We're here..."
"And you're back in your Asgardian form. Tho… I must say the runes on your Jo—" She was silenced by his hand over her mouth, as Loki was horrified that someone should hear that he is Jotunn.
Loki's hand quickly covered her mouth, his eyes wide with panic as he looked around nervously. His face softened as he realized she had no idea. He didn't want anyone else to know that he is a Jotunn, fearing their prejudice against him would only worsen.
Khri nodded "I see. It would be a pity to burn the eyes out of all the gods in the heavens. So I will keep my silence… for if they hated you, I'd smite them also."
Loki stared at her, his eyes wide with surprise and then a small smile slowly appeared on his lips as he listened to your words. "You would... defend me?" His voice was almost a whisper as he looked into her eyes, holding her gaze.
"Yes. I am an angel." She knelt. "And you are my God."
Loki's eyes widened as he watched Khri kneel, a mix of emotions crossing his face before he let out a soft laugh. "You... you are something else." He stood there for a moment before he reached out to her, hesitating for a brief moment before a hand rested on her shoulder.
"You bested my test and returned to me my wings." Khri stood. "And your true form is beautiful and mine alone."
Loki watched as she stood, his eyes never left hers. "I am... glad to have passed your test." He murmured before looking down at her wings, a small smile on his face. "And I am honored for you to be the only one who has ever seen my true form."
"I'd like to show you something before anyone sees." Khri reached out and touched Loki's cheek, and in the wake of her touch his skin turned the blue of the Jotunns "You must be careful… how you touch me… lest your secret be revealed. Do not catch me by surprise…"
Loki's eyes widened as he felt Khri's touch, his gaze never leaving hers as his skin began to turn a faint blue. "This... this is impressive. And worrying." He murmured softly before tensing slightly and moving away from her a little.
"I'm sorry…" Khri whispered softly. "I long to…" She stopped. "I'm sorry…"
Loki studied her for a moment before reaching out and taking her hand in his, giving it a comforting squeeze. "It's alright. I understand." He murmured softly before letting go of her hand. "I will be careful." He assured her, before looking back at her wings.
"For what it's worth…" Khri whispered. "I think your true form is beautiful… preferable to the peacocks of Asgard…"
Loki chuckled softly at that before running a hand through his hair. "I suppose it's better than being a peacock." He glanced back at her with a small smile. "Thank you. I...I appreciate that." He added softly, looking back at her wings.
Khri finally caught him looking. "Oh! you like my wings? would you like to…?"
Loki quirked an eyebrow before nodding and moving closer to her. He reached out a hand slowly, carefully brushing a finger lightly along one of the wing feathers. "Like this?"
"Aaaah…. ohh Loki…" The angel moaned softly.
Loki grinned at your reaction before looking up at her with wide, innocent eyes. "What?" He asked playfully, his hand now moving down to her waist and pulling her closer. "I can keep going if you want."
"I've never felt anything like this…" Khri whispered, actually truly innocent. "Yes, again."
Loki smirked before repeating the action, his fingers trailing lightly along her wings again. He could feel his heart starting to race as he felt the tension between them. "Do you...like it?"
"Ohhh ohhh yesss Loki…." The angel moaned. "You can…call me Khri…"
Loki smiled before nodding and replying. "I'm Loki, God of Mischief. But you knew that…" He chuckled a little before leaning in closer to her, his hand now resting on her hip. "Do you mind if I keep going?"
"Please please do!" Khri was so eager and innocent, it made him want to corrupt her.
Loki smirked at her reply before nodding and continuing to trail his fingers along her wings. He could feel himself getting lost in the moment, not caring about anything else except the feeling of her wings under his fingers. "You have...amazing wings, Khri."
"Ohh ohh ohhh Loki…. many have touched, none has made me feel this way…"
Loki chuckles as he closes his eyes, enjoying the feeling of her body under his fingers. He could tell that she was enjoying it too, which only made him want to continue more. "I'm glad." He whispered, leaning in even closer to her. "You're...different."
Khri's eyes snapped open. "Because I care for you? Does no other?"
"Not many have cared for me, no. Most people only see me as the God of Mischief, not someone who could...care for them back." Loki whispered back, his hand still on her waist. "I don't know what it is about you, Khri. But I..."
Everyone can love. and you… have more of a capacity for it than most."
Loki looked at you then, his gaze softening as he took in her words. He wanted to believe that he was capable of love, but he had never had anyone to love before. "I want to...I want to try."
"Loki… you don't believe yourself capable…" Khri embraced him. "You love. deeply. as deep as oceans. And that is why you hate so deeply, because they hurt you." She stroked his hair.
Loki looked up at her then, as she embraced him. He listened to her words and felt them resonating in his chest. He had never thought about it that way before. He was so used to hiding his true feelings and intentions that he didn't realize how much they were affecting him. "I..."
"It's alright to hurt, Loki," Khri murmured as she held him, her wings wrapping around them.
Loki looked at her, his eyes glimmering with unshed tears. He had never felt so vulnerable before, but somehow, when he was around this angel, he felt safe. He took a deep breath, letting go of the pain he had been holding onto for so long. "I just..."
"There is nothing wrong with you. nothing lacking. your true self is beautiful, and it grants you untold magicks. you deserve to be loved."
Loki looked at Khri in disbelief, his cheeks turning a faint shade of pink. He had always felt like an outcast, someone who didn't belong, but when he was around her, he felt like he could be himself without any judgement. "A-are you sure about that?"
Khri smirked. "Would you like me to prove it?"
Loki's eyes widened with surprise, but then he quickly regained his composure. He looked at her with a mischievous grin. "Yes, I would like that very much. What do you have in mind?"
Khri kissed him.
Loki's eyes widened in shock as her lips met his, but he quickly responded with equal intensity. His arms wrapped around her body, pulling her closer to him as he deepened the kiss. He could taste the sweetness of her lips, and it only made him want her more.
Khri kissed him more fervently. "I love you."
Loki pulled back slightly, his eyes searching hers for any hint of deception. He's never heard those words before, not from anyone, let alone someone he's known for such a short time. He looked at you with a mix of surprise and curiosity. "You... love me?"
Khri blushed. "I fell in love when I saw your true form. that's why I called out to you."
Loki looked at her with a mixture of confusion and fascination. He never thought that anyone could see past his tricks and actually fall in love with him for who he truly is. He reached out to touch Khri's cheek, his thumb brushing against her skin. "I must admit, I am quite surprised."
"Are you? Angels are empaths. When you transformed…I felt all their hatred…. and then I felt you. Your pain, your fury, your fear, your loathing, in that moment, you could have easily turned and ripped me to shreds. Many, many, many of them tried. But you did not. Not a thought of it crossed your mind. And so I loved you."
Loki listened intently, his eyes never leaving her. He was amazed at how deeply she seemed to understand him, something that not many people even tried. When she finished speaking, he took in a deep breath. "I must admit, I did consider it."
Khri laughed. "What a lovely lie." She kissed him.
Loki's lips curved into a slight smile. He loved how unafraid she was to challenge him and tease him, it only added to his interest in her. He returned the kiss, his tongue tangling with hers as he tugged her closer to him.
Khri cupped his cheeks. "I love you. you are my treasure. if you wish, I will give you the throne, the kingdom, anything."
Loki can't help but smile at her warm touch. He closed his eyes for a brief moment, before looking back into hers. "I think…I love you too. And as much as the thought of being King is tempting..."
"Do you not wish it?"
Loki chuckled softly. "Not at the moment. But there's something you should know..." He leaned in close, his voice dropping to a whisper.
"What is it?" The angel asked innocently, tilting her head.
Loki whispered in her ear, a mischievous grin playing on his lips. "I have a secret..." He leaned back, leaving her alone with his words. He grabbed her hand and lead her outside, showing her a secret cave that not even Odin knew about.
"What is this? What secret?"
Loki smirked, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "This...is my sanctuary. A place where I can escape from the pressures of being a god, a place where I can truly be myself. And the secret...he pulls out a small vial filled with a strange, glowing liquid..."
"What is it?" Khri asked, in awe.
Loki held up the vial, his eyes shining with a mischievous glint. "This...is a potion. A very special potion. It has the ability to make one's desires come true...and I want to use it on you..."
"Huh? but you are my desire."
Loki's eyes widened in surprise at your words, but he quickly recovered with a smirk. She had to be lying. "Well then..." He took a sip of the potion, then leaned in to kiss her passionately. As he pulled away, he whispered, "Now, your deepest desires will be fulfilled..."
"No, beloved do not—-" Khristiel vanished into the heavens, screaming. "LOKIIII!'
Loki's eyes widened in shock as he saw her disappear into the heavens. He jumped up in alarm, trying to catch a glimpse of her, but it was too late. "N-no...wait..." Loki yelled after her, his heart raced with worry and regret. "Please come back...!"
But the angel Khristiel could not return.
For every angel is programmed carefully, so their true desire is always to return to Heaven to be with the Lord.