After the twins agreed to follow Locke´s plan Loki told them –I should go talk to your uncle, he will be much easier to convince about our trio that your grandmother.-
-Ok dad, shall we wait for you here?- Eydls asked him
-No, there´s no need. You´d better start packing, we leave early tomorrow.- he answered
Loki went to Thor´s and Jane´s chambers while thinking about how to break the news to his brother; he wouldn´t be happy to see them leave. As he arrived he knocked at the door, he could hear Thor´s children playing, it seemed ages ago Eydls and Even were that young.
-Thor, are you there?-Loki asked nervously
-Yes, please come in brother-Thor swiftly answered –I´m glad to see you, what brings you here?-
-I need to talk to you, I …-he stammered – I decided to go on a trip with Eydls and Even through the Realms tomorrow-
-Away? Why?-Thor asked concerned
-There is too many memories both here and in Earth, I need … we need to go away for a while to heal- it wasn´t completely a lie Loki thought to himself.
-You´ll be alone brother! I understand it´s hard, but couldn´t you find a way to stay?-Thor pleaded
Loki sighed –Thor, I haven´t even been able to go to the chambers Diane and I shared, it´s too painful. I´ve been staying in my old chambers since it happened. Can´t you see I need to go away for a while?-
Thor felt guilty he had asked him to stay seeing the pain reflected in Loki´s eyes –I see brother, if you think leaving will help you I might not like it but I won´t stand in your way.-
Loki sadly smiles as he hugged Thor –Thank you brother. Then added –Will you help me convince mother? I don´t think she will like it either-
-No, she won´t-Thor nodded negatively- I will talk to her Loki- then he asked –Will you and the twins join us in our parent´s chambers for dinner?-
-I don´t think I´m a good company right now-Loki admitted
-Please brother, if you are leaving tomorrow at least you could spent a while with us before yu do-Thor looked at him pleadingly.
-Ok, I will. Stop looking at me like that –Loki answered the added –But I will make no promises about staying too long-
-That is enough for me-Thor told him
As Loki and the twins arrived for dinner they were greeted cheerfully by Thor´s children whom wanted to play with their older cousins.
Dinner went smoothly, for a while it all seemed to be back to normal, they were laughing and enjoying themselves until…
-And then we found out Even had dismantled the blender apart, isn’t that right Di….- it had slipped Loki´s mind for a second, reality hit him hard as he noticed everyone´s concerned looks- …I … need a moment-he stated as he got up the table in a hurry.-
As he leaned against one of the balcony columns he closed his eyes heavy with grief, suddenly he heard his father´s voice –Son, are you all right?-
Loki looked up to meet Odin´s gaze –I´m sorry father, I told Thor I wasn´t a good company right now-
-You have nothing to apologize for Loki, you just lost your wife, we understand it will be difficult for a while-Odin tried to comfort him then asked Loki –Are you really sure you want to go away right now?-
Thor must have already told them Loki thought- Yes father. I am sure. Too many things remind me of Diane here-
-Is that the only reason?-Odin asked again.
-If you want to know if I mean to go to Haven then rest assure father. There is no room in my heart for vengeance right now, only yearning- then he added –Diane died defending the people of Asgard I wouldn´t disgrace her memory by provoking another attack which would lead to more people getting killed. Besides I think It will be easier for you to reach an agreement with Haven´s queen without me around.-
-You would have made an excellent King Loki, even though the pain you still think of diplomacy first-Odin complimented his son
-That was not on the cards father. I´ve made my peace with that long ago-Loki answered
-Shall we go back to the other?-Odin asked
-I can´t father. I think I would better go to sleep, we leave early tomorrow. Will you apologize for me to them?- Loki pleaded
-Your mother would be disappointed if you don´t say goodbye to her before you leave-Odin stated
-Yes, I would-Frigga suddenly said-Trying to sneak out son?-
-Not really mother, I just …-Loki felt a loss in words
It´s all right Loki –Frigga interrupted him before he could order his ideas- Just take care of yourself and your children- Frigga told Loki as she held his hands.
-Thank you mother, I will.-Loki felt relieved, she had agreed them to leave, then he added –Can you please apologize for me? I really don´t feel like going back there –
Frigga sighed –All right Loki, we´ll tell them- then as she kissed his cheek she told him –Don´t forget we love you-
-I won´t mother, thank you.-as he ended his phrase he teleported back to his old chambers. He had to pack too.
Loki gathered anything he though essential for their journey, then he lingered for a moment in front a bookcase, as he flicked a hidden switch a secret compartment opened. Loki reached in and pulled a large packet out of the compartment as he unwrap it a magnificent sword was revealed.
Loki´s magic sword rested on his hands as he gazed upon it -Laevateinm –Loki exclaimed- I never thought I would need you again-
It was still dark when a nightmare awoke Loki, drenched in sweat he tried to calm his own heart down- I shouldn’t have told them, I shouldn´t have– he mumbled to himself.
It was too late for that, but he might still do something, he had to leave before they awoken, as soon as he was ready he teleported himself to the Bifrost.
-Prince Loki-Heimdall greeted him as soon as he saw him
-Heimdall, I need you to do me a favor, I wish to visit some old acquaintance’s, but I don´t know where they are, can you locate someone for me-Loki nervously asked him
-There´s no need to lie to me Loki, I already know who you are looking for and why, rest assure I will help you-Heimdall said interrupting him.
-How? – Loki asked
-Your wife appeared to me in a vision, she explained to me the true motif of your quest.-Heimdall explained to him
-You have seen Diane?-Loki asked as his face lighted up by the news
-Yes, I have –Heimdall smiled –She also gave me a message for you, thought I don´t think it is appropriate for me to tell you her exact words-
-She´s angry with me- Loki sighed.
-Yes, she is. She asked me to tell you that you are one of the most stubborn men in the universe-Heimdall told him
-Yes, that sound like her –Loki wryly smiled
-Indeed-Heimdall continued –Then added that if you weren´t changing your mind she would have to help you by any means possible-
-Is that all?-Loki asked Heimdall
-And that she love you and her children-Heimdall reticently told him
As Heimdall ended his phrase both Eydls and Even appeared in the observatory.
-You were trying to leave us –Even reproached Loki
-How did you find out I was?-Loki asked them
-After you bail dinner I placed a spell on the Bifrost to warn us if you crossed it-Eydls answered-And I´m glad I did. Why would you try to leave without us?- she angrily asked him
Loki sighed –Because I am scared I might lose you too.-
-As we are of losing you-Eydls told him – Fear won´t help us to get mother back.-
-We are going with you whether you like it or not-Even told him then added –Besides you need us-
-Face it father, you need us- Eydls told him- You are the most powerful mage among the realms but I think you already noticed that if Even and I combined our magic we would be able to take you down.-
-Have faith in us father-Even pleaded
“Have faith in yourself and in my siblings” Loki remembered Locke´s words
-All right, you can come too-Loki yielded
Heimdall smiled as Loki turned back to him. –Seems we are ready to go- he informed Heimdall
-All right-Heimdall told them as he placed his sword into the mechanism.
In an instant they were gone.
Month: December 2014 (Page 2 of 7)
After Locke went away Loki stayed wondering if he had made the right choice, he kept looking at Diane´s body knowing fully well he was going against her wishes.
His thoughts were interrupted by Frigga walking into the room.
-I thought I might find you here son – she told him-You have been avoiding all of us since yesterday-
-I know- he acknowledge- I don´t want … I can´t right now- he ended
-We can talk when you feel up to I just wanted to tell you that we all love you and your kids. We are here if you need us.-
I know mother, I don´t mean to worry you- he looked into her eyes apologetically
-It´s ok Loki, I can´t even presume to know what are you feeling. Just remember that you are not alone.- she tried to comfort him.
That´s exactly how I feel Loki thought to himself nevertheless he answered –I know mother, thank you.-
Odin walked into the room as he told them –It´s time-
Loki shifted into the appearance all of Asgard was used to. After they first moved into Asgrad for Diane´s pregnancy Frigga and Odin had come up with a plan that would allow them to be near their grandchildren without raising any suspicions. Loki assumed the identity of a long lost nephew of Odin who had died in Midgard during the battle with Sutgar. They came up with a story about him surviving but losing all his memories until a lucky turn of events reunited him with Thor duting one of his travels to Midgard. Erland they called him.
All of Diane´s friends and family were already reunited, as he walked after Odin and Frigga followed by his children people would extend his condolences to him, both Diane and his Elrond façade were well liked by Asgardian people.
They all gathered on the waterfront for the funeral rites. Diane was floated out on a boat, and at Odin’s signal an archer sent a flaming arrow onto the boat, setting it alight. As her flaming boat carries on across the water, hundreds of burning arrows soar through the air, alighting on the boats of every other soldier and citizen killed by the invading angels.
With hundreds of boats burning behind her like candles, Diane’s vessel approaches the edge of Asgard’s sea. The waters flow over the edge and into space. Odin strikes his staff, Gungnir, upon the ground, and rather than drop over the edge, Diane’s funeral vessel continues to drift beyond the water, until her spirit itself rises from the boat and lifts into the cosmos like thousands of scattering stars.
The citizens of Asgard cradle orbs of light, which they now lift towards the sky and release. The orbs float up, each a tribute to a lost loved one.
After the ceremony was over he walked Madeleine´s family and his friends back to the Bifrost.
-Take care of yourself and the kids-Madeleine said to him as he kissed his cheek .
-I will Madeleine- he answered while he kept thinking if he could uphold that promise.
-Will you come back to Earth soon?-Samantha asked as he hugged him.
-I don´t know Sammy, there are too many memories everywhere, I´m thinking of taking a trip with your brother and sister to the other realms – he lied to her, he needed to be able to disappear without raising to many questions.
-Ok, Dad. Don´t take too long to comeback, I will miss you.-Samantha told him
-I will miss you too Sammy- he hugged her back as he kissed her cheek, this might be the last time I see her Loki thought.
-So, I guess we´ll have to survive without you for a while- Tony jokingly told Loki
-I guess you will-Loki answered him then added –I want to apologize for the way I reacted earlier, it was wrong of me to take out all my anger at you- he told all of them while specially looking at Bruce.
-Don´t mention it- Bruce answered- It is all forgotten as if it has never happened.-
-Thank you- Loki sadly smiled, he was going to miss them all.
After all of them had disappeared he started to walk back to the palace followed by the twins, all the time thinking about Locke´s words.
-Are you ok Dad?-Eydls asked him – You are awfully quite tonight.-
-Yes, I´m all tight. It has been a hard day. I´m just tired.-he lied, he wasn´t sure if he wanted them to know what was troubling him.
-Have you talked to Locke again?- Even suddenly asked him.
Loki stood still uncertain of his answer, both twins looked back at him as they noticed he has stop walking.
-Dad, what´s wrong?-Even asked looking at his eyes
-If you could have your mother back but you had to risk everything, what would you do? – Loki asked them, he couldn´t make that decision for them, it wasn´t fair.
-What do you mean by everything?-Eydls asked him
-Your life, your freedom, your loved ones, everything.-Loki answered her.
-What did Locke told you father?-Eydls asked again
-I need to know your answer first- Loki demanded
-You already decided, haven´t you?- Even asked him
-Forget about me, what would you do?-Loki asked again
-We would get mum back-both twins answered at the same time.
Loki sighed, he wished they had answered different, but knew they wouldn´t.
-If we get your mother back, she´s going to kill me for taking you along-
-We aren’t kids anymore, you aren´t taking us along, we are deciding to accompany you- eve told him
-Now are you going to tell us what Locke told you or not?- Eydls asked him
-I will, but I think we should talk in my old chambers – as he ended his phrase they appeared back at Loki´s old chambers.
He started explaining them Locke´s plan which was concise enough then gave them a small briefing about Thanos taking care of not mentioning anything of the time he spent as his prisoner. And then proceeded to explain them about the Infinity Gems and anything else he thought might be useful to them. As he finished the twins remained silent for what seemed to Loki as an eternity.
“ I shouldn’t had told them at all” Loki thought feeling guilty
-So this Thanos guy is really evil-Even suddenly said
-Yes, he is- Loki stated
-And we need to steal the gem from him, I gather preferably without him noticing until it´s too late- Eydls added
-Yes- Loki answered, he had made a mistake, he felt it, he shouldn´t had told them.
-Ok, count us in –Even added –Am I right Eydls?-
-Yes brother, you are.-Eydls answered.
Loki was again at the healing rooms guarding Diane’s body, he felt angry at himself for reacting so badly in front of their friends.
-I´m sorry love … I messed up- he closed his eyes as he sighed – I’m all a mess myself-
-It´s ok love; you did your best-Diane answered
Loki was startled by her presence for a second then he smiled as he asked –Diane, you are really here?-
-Yes, Loki it´s me. This is the last time I will be able to visit you. You shouldn´t be so hard on yourself-she added offering his hand to him.
Loki timidly reached for her, he sighed with relief when he was able to feel her hand in his.
-I don´t know how I´m supposed to do this Diane. I´m a terrible father- Loki confessed
-No you are not; you are not yourself right now. Everything will be better in time- she reassured him.
-Will Locke´s plan work? We will all be together again?-Loki asked her in hope.
-Talking about me?-Locke just appeared.
-You know we are –Diane told him –Now tell us what your plan is.-
-Well, the plan is simple enough. Dad takes the infinity soul gem from Thanos and resurrects us. The tricky part will be accomplishing this and getting away with it.-Locke simply stated.
-From Thanos?- Loki unconsciously took a step back losing his hold on Diane’s hand as he paled –That can’t be done – he added
-It can with my help-Locke answered –The question is, do you want to do it?-
-I ….-Loki stammered –I do – he was more scared of living without Diane.
-Loki, please! You don´t have to do it. I would rather you to be safe. We´ll reunite in Valhalla when your time has come-
-When? After four thousand years?-Loki looked at her i incredulously – I´ve barely made it through one day without you and you want me to wait until it´s my time?-
-Loki, you don´t scare easily, and I can see you are terrified of this Thanos guy. Please don´t do it! Think of our children-Diane tried to reason with him.
-Terrified is an understatement, I don´t think there´s a word to describe how I feel about him, but I don´t care. I just want you back, you and Locke, back into my life- he confessed to her through tears.
-Baby, please don´t! I would much rather you to be safe. Please think of our kids.-
-They won´t need me long, and after they have go on with their lives I will be alone. I don´t want to be alone. I won´t be able to make it, sooner or later I will try again to end my life, and if I succeed we´ll be apart forever. I need to try, if I die trying at least we will be together.-
-I told you mother, you won´t be able to convince him, he loves you too much-Locke plainly told Diane.
-Loki, please don´t. – Diane tried to convince him again.
-I´m sorry Diane, I can´t …- he tried to hold her hand again but this time his fingers went through hers.
-No, no please! I need more time – Diane pleaded as she realized her figure was fading, her time was up.
-Diane!- Loki shouted as he desperately tried to hold her again.
-Loki!- she was crying, she knew she couldn´t do anything to stop fading away –I lov…-she was gone.
-I love you too-Loki whispered tears over flooding his eyes. It took him a couple of minutes to realize Locke were still there.
-How? Why? – he asked him as soon as he noticed him.
-I´m not bound by the same rules mother is, I can come and go as I please- Locke answered him
-Are you really our child?-Loki asked him
-Well, finally we are going to talk like grownups. Yes and no.-Locke answered him
-What do you mean by that?-Loki was intrigued by his answer
-Yes, I am your son; I was conceived by you and mother. And no, higher powers meddle with my conception and keep meddling, you could say I´m Origin, Eternity and Infinity creation-
-The cosmic powers?- Loki frowned, that made no sense.
-Yes, they also has meddle with you and mum but in a lesser degree, mother’s death made them hurry up their plans-
-What do you mean? What do they want from us?-Loki still didn´t had the whole picture
-To save the universe, to stop Thanos, the usual super-hero stuff-Locke said jokingly
-I don´t think that´s funny-Loki replied
-That´s because Eternity didn´t dump the knowledge of every universe, dimension and timeline into your head like if it was a simple memo.-Locke answered angrily then added.-They meant from the start for me to take down Thanos, everything you and mum has ever experienced lead you to me, but they didn´t counted on evil forces meddling with their plan.-
-The attack was a diversion, they were after her all along-Loki suddenly realized.
-Yes, I knew you would catch up- Locke smiled delighted.
-I wouldn´t be able to save her no matter that I had been there or not-Loki said mostly to himself
– No, you wouldn´t – Locke told him –You would most likely get yourself killed too.-
Loki was overwhelmed by Locke´s explanations, why them?
-I´m not sure- Locke answered having read Loki´s mind- I think they´re hiding some facts from me, but I´ll figure it out. Now, are you sure you want to go ahead with this?
-Yes- Loki simply said to him.
-Ok, you will need some help, my brother and sister for starters-
-Wait, can´t I do this without them?- Loki didn´t wanted any harm to come to them, he wanted to keep them away from Thanos.
-No you can´t. You can try, but you will fail. At some point you will need Thor´s help too- Locke told him
-Why do you want me to risk everything I hold dear? Isn´t it enough that I had lost her? –Loki questioned Locke
-You can always forget about this if taking them along troubles you, but you have to know that if Thanos continues unchallenged at some point he will become too powerful and they will all die at his hands anyway, it´s your choice. You can risk everything now while you have a chance on success or you can live happily and care free for a while until the boot squashes the ants-
-You leave me with no choice-Loki sadly acknowledged
-Sometimes the only choice you can make is a bad one, but you have to choose anyway-Locke sadly answered him.
After they all calm down Loki and the twins decided to concentrate for the moment on Diane´s funeral which would take place that night together with all who had perished in the attack the day before.
-We should grab some breakfast before going to Earth-Loki told them
-I don´t think I´m hungry dad-Eydls said
-Me neither- Even replied
Loki looked at the worried –When was the last time either of you had something to eat?-
I don´t know, I think yesterday´s breakfast-Even answered
-Well, that´s not acceptable. I know we are all sad but not eating won´t solve anything- he felt awkward admonishing them, he hadn´t had anything to eat since yesterday´s breakfast either. –Do you want to have breakfast here?-he asked them, he wasn´t eager about facing the rest of their family, he knew Frigga, Odin, Jane, Thor and his nephews cared for them but being around them right now would only make them feel Diane´s absence even more.
As he spoke he magically appeared the twin’s favorite’s foods.
-Dad, I don´t think ice-cream qualifies as breakfast-Eydls said to him eyeing the food that just appeared.
– I know, but it will make us feel better, don´t you think?-Loki told her a sad smirk on his face.
-I´m not complaining, this is delicious- Even said with a spoonful already in his mouth.
-Hey! Leave something for us-Eydls jokingly said to her brother.
After they finished they reluctantly directed to the Bifrost, notifying everyone would be the hardest thing Loki had to do, it made him feel uneasy to think how he should break the news to Samantha.
-Do you know if your sister is on duty at the hospital? – Loki asked Eydls. Samantha was on her first year of her residence at Kings County Hospital Center in New York.
-I think so, if I remember correctly she will finish her shift around midday.-
Meanwhile in Valhalla Diane and Locke were reaching the peak of a heated discussion.
-Then why did you told your father we would be together soon?- Diane asked him again, arguing with Locke was worse than arguing with Loki, if she hadn´t live with Loki so long Locke would have fooled her easily.
-One way or another we will, and here time is relative-Locke answered her
-That´s not why and you know it. Why won´t you tell me?-Diane asked him again, she was growing weary of his negatives to answer her questions.
-Because you wouldn´t understand.-Locke finally said to her feed up with her questioning
-Why would you say that? Locke tell me now-Diane demanded
-I don´t want to, you will only interfere-Locke angrily pouted
-If what you want the to do puts them on harm’s way I most certainly interfere-Diane stood her ground
-You won´t, your time is running out, soon you will be bound to Valhalla and you won´t be able to help them- Locke told her defiantly
-Why are you doing this Locke? Do we mean nothing to you?-Diane was near tears
-I do what I have to do mother, but that doesn´t mean I don´t care-Locke looked at her eyes feeling uneasy about causing her pain- My part in this isn´t my choice, I wish no harm to come to father or my brother and sister.-
-Then please tell me Locke, explain it to me –Diane pleaded
-I´ll make a deal with you mother, I´ll explain you and father at the same time, you can try to convince him not to go ahead, but I warn you; you will lose.-
He was too stubborn, and he was right her time was running out, she could only visit Loki once more before the funeral, after that she would have to stay in Valhalla forever.
-All right- she sighed-I won´t be able to change your mind, you are more stubborn than your father.-
-I´d rather think of myself as perseverant –Locke proudly admitted.
Loki, Eydls and Even were already at the hospital having shimmered into inconspicuous clothing. They had learned Samantha was finishing her shift in a few minutes and prepared to wait for her.
-I think IO should talk to your sister alone-Loki suddenly said to them
-Why?- the twins asked at the same time
-Because I´m asking you to-Loki said to them a bit annoyed then as he noticed the look of concern in their faces added –I need some privacy, I need to tell her by myself-
-All right father-Eydls answered-But we won´t be far-
-I never thought you should- Loki plainly commented
As soon as Samantha saw the three of them waiting for her she knew something was wrong, Loki walked up to her as her siblings remained in their place.
-Samantha, I …-Loki didn´t knew how to start
-Something happened, is it mum? Is she hurt?-she hoped so bad to be wrong but something told her she wasn´t.
-She …-Loki barely forced himself to utter the words –She is dead- he strive to hold back his tears.
-No!-Samantha said as she placed her hands over her heart as if she could protect it from breaking then she held Loki´s hands as she pleadingly looked into his eyes-Please Dad, tell me it isn´t true-
-I wish I could Sammy- he hugged her, he didn´t knew what else to do –She left us-
They both cried for what seemed an eternity holding each other, Eydls and even walked into them tears already in their faces. Loki and Samantha included them into their hug.
As they calmed down Samantha asked Loki –What happened, how …? – she found hard to say the words.
-It was an attack from the angels of the tenth realm, she was in the city alone-Loki answered, he hadn´t though telling her what happened would be so hard, he could feel his heart breaking again, it ached as if it had happened again. Would he feel like that every time someone asked him what happened to his wife?-She died fighting-Loki added as he hoped she wouldn´t ask him anything else.
-When will the funeral take place and where?-She finally asked him
-Tonight in Asgard-Loki replied
-Then I think we should get going-Samantha added
-We still have to tell your aunt Madeleine and Natasha and the others.-Loki told her-You should go ahead, will caught up with you as soon as we can-
-All right, I´ll have to pick some stuff from my apartment then I will call Heimdall to take me there-
-Do you want us to take you to your apartment-Eydls asked her.
-No thanks. Samantha sadly smiles top him- I think I could use the walk-
-If that´s what you want sys-Even replied
-It is, thank you anyway-Samantha told him
-Don´t mention it-Even added
After they said their goodbyes Samantha went to her apartment and Loki and the twins went to Madeleine’s house. A similar scene as the one in the hospital took place as he informed her sister-in law of Diane´s death. Loki was growing weary, every time he told someone about Diane´s dying he felt like it had happened again.
When they left the house after asking Heimdall to transport Madeleine’s family to Asgard,Loki was feeling both tired and angry, he didn´t looked forward telling all of his old team mates about it.
-Eydls, can you call Chris and tell him to gather everyone? I much rather not do this more than once.-Loki asked her
-Of course father, but why don´t you call the Captain and ask him yourself?-Eydls asked him
-Because you know him, he will demand to know why, and I´m not in the mood to meddle with him right now-Loki admitted
-Ok-Eydls agreed as she called Chris on her cellphone –Chris, is Eydls I need to ask you for a favor, I need you to gather everyone, can you do that for me please?-
-Yes Eydls, but why? Something’s wrong?-Chris asked her
-I don´t want to talk about it in the cellphone, I´ll tell you when we get there. Can you do that for me?-Eydls answered
-Ok Eydls, I will, it may take me over an hour to gather everyone, but I will, don´t worry.-
-Thank you Chris.-Eydls ended as she hung up.
-He says he can do that within an hour- she informed Loki and Even
-What should we do in the meantime?-even asked Loki
-We can stop for a bite-Loki told them, he wasn´t hungry but he couldn’t let the twins neither worry nor stop eating like they done the day before-Chinese or Italian?-
-Italian!-Both twins answered at the same time.
As they were finishing Eydls´s cell rang, it was Chris, they were all in the Malibu compound.
Loki sighed, he didn´t wanted to do it anymore, but he knew he had to, they were good friends both to Diane and him, they would want to go to her funeral, and she would have like them to go.
-Ok, let´s do this- he told the twins as he teleported them into the compound-
-Loki? Kids? Where´s Diane?-Natasha asked them as soon as they materialized. They were all nervous, Loki didn´t use to gather them unless something was wrong.
Loki´s face when she asked him about Diane gave him away, something bad had happened.
-Is Diane ok, Loki?-Steve asked out of concern.
-No, she isn’t-Loki felt angry again but he tried to conceal it-she´s dead-
-What? How?-Tony blurted out
-An attack on Asgard by the Angels while we were at Latveria- he added, he wanted to blame someone, but the only one he could blame was himself, he shouldn´t had left her alone.
-Loki, I´m sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful woman-Pepper told him while looking at his eyes.
-I know, thank you Pepper- he was finding difficult to keep calm, he wanted to run away.
Bruce noticed Loki´s uncomfort and asked him –Are you ok?-
Then he exploded –No, I´m not ok. My wife just died and I wasn´t even at her side when it happened. How could I be ok?-
Everyone stood silent uncertain of what to tell him.
-I´m sorry- Loki suddenly broke the silence – I can´t do this right now, I just can´t. I need to go to your mother- he said to the twins just before teleporting away.
Eydls and Even looked at each other.
-Should we go after him?-Even asked her telepathically
-No, I think he just needs time to gather himself up, and besides we need to tell them about the funeral- she sighed
-Ok, don´t tell them about him trying to kill himself-even added
-Of course not, they would only worry them- Eydls answered
-We apologize, father hadn´t been himself since … mother died- Eydls told them
-Don´t worry, we understand. He loved your mother very deeply. It´s only natural he´s upset-Clint reassured them
-I´m guessing you are staying because there´s something else you want to tell us- Tony added
-Yes, mother´s funeral will take place tonight in Asgard; she would have liked you to come to say your farewells-even told them
-We will be honor to-Steve answered – Diane was a great friend. We will all miss her.-
-Thank you, we´ll take you to Asgard, will it take you long to prepare?-Even asked them
-We wouldn´t like to leave Dad alone for too long-Eydls added.
-Of course-Bruce said-We´ll hurry, don´t worry.-
As they all went to change for the funeral Natasha stood behind and asked them –Are you ok kids? You look worried.-
-Natasha, is dad, he´s not ok at all, if just he hadn´t …-Eydls interrupted herself she had said more than the meant to.
-He hadn´t what?-Natasha asked her concerned by her answer
-Dad found out mother was pregnant when she died-Even added; lying to Natasha was not a good idea, but saying a half-truth wasn´t lying.
-Oh my god!-Natasha exclaimed- No wonder he´s so upset-
-That´s why we don´t want to leave him alone- Eydls told her
-I understand, we´ll hurry up-Natasha said as she left to change.
As Eydls and Even appeared in his father’s old chambers they were surprised by the mess Loki´s grief had made of the place.
-Even, be careful there´s broken glasses everywhere-Eydls warned her brother as they made their way around the broken vials, knocked down furniture’s and books.
-Eydls!-Even cried –Come here quickly, I found dad-
Loki was still under Locke´s spell, he was lying in the floor sleeping, his left hand still wounded, blood drops near him.
-Is he? – Even asked as Eydls knelt beside Loki
-Don’t be absurd, we wouldn´t been able to find him if he were –she tried to wake him up – Dad?-
As she touched him Eydls suddenly backed away shocked.
-Eydls, what´s wrong? What did you see?-
-Oh, Even!- she was near tears- He … he tried to kill himself … mother stopped him .-
-What do you mean Eydls? How could mother stop him? Show me!-Eydls offered his hand to Even, as he saw what she had seen he paled.
After a while Even broke the silence –What do you think Locke meant when he said we were all soon be together again?-
-I´m not sure, I didn´t meant to read Dad´s mind, it just happened – she felt uncomfortable as she had somehow done something wrong.
Even saw the discomfort on his sister´s face –Is not your fault Eydls, you know we can´t help it, it just happens.-
They normally had to concentrate to read people´s minds but if their emotions were too strong sometimes their memories flooded them.
-What should we do now?-Eydls asked her brother.
-First I´ll go tell uncle Thor Dad´s all right, he must be worried-Even asnswered-I´m pretty sure he´s still at your room waiting for us.-
-Ok- Eydls told him –I think I should pick up this mess-
-Can you undo Locke spell?- Even asked her
-I think so, but I´d rather let Dad sleep, either way the spell will wear off in a couple of hours and he really needs to rest, tomorrow is going to be … difficult-
-All right sys, I´ll be right back –Even said as he teleported away.
Eydls used her magic to clean the room up and restore all the broken items to their precious state. Then she levitated her father´s body and placed him on the bed, next she climbed in and healed his father´s wounded hand.
-Oh, father!- she said as she stoked Loki´s hair- Why did this had to happen? Why? – she started crying, she felt so scared, something told her that everything was about to change.
When Even returned after a while she was lost in her thoughts, but as soon as she noticed him she motioned him to climb in the bed with them.
-We should get some sleep too-Eydls told her brother-Tomorrow won´t be any easier that today-
-I agree-Even said as he yawned-I´m exhausted, good night Eydls, I love you.-he said as he kissed his sister´s cheek.
-I love you too Even-she smiled as she kissed him back.
It didn´t took them long to fall asleep, they were too worn-out. They didn´t noticed a couple of semi-transparent figures watching over their sleep.
As Loki woke up the nest morning he was surprised to find the rwins by his side and the chamber brought back to its original state.
“How?” He knew better than ask that, of course they had found him, they always did. They must had been worried, he felt guilty, he had lest them alone, their mother just died and he had left them alone. As he climb down the bed trying to figure out what to do Eydls felt him move and woke up.
-Dad? Where are you going?-she looked worried.
-Nowhere love, I just needed to stretch my legs- he said as he returned to the bed and hugged her –I´m sorry-he added-I´m your father I should be taking care of you both and not the other way around-
-It´s ok Dad, we understand-Even answered he had awoken too.
-Dad- Eydls was unsure of how to tell him – I didn´t meant to, it just happened..- She was barely holding back her tears
Loki frowned at her confused, what was she talking about?
-We know dad, what happened yesterday – Even tried to clarify his sister´s words –Everything that happened.- He looked worried
Then it hit him, they knew about their mother, about Locke and him breaking his promise to them.
Loki look back at his daughter as he sighed he opened his arms to hug both his children.
Eydls broke up in tears, and soon afterwards Even.
-I´m sorry kids, I shouldn´t make you worry, don´t cry, we will figure it out – he said to them as he kissed and hugged them as he often did when they were younger.
Eydls and Even were at Eyd´s room trying to keep themselves occupied to avoid thinking of the events of the day. Eydls was working on her drawings, her mother had always encouraged her to cultivate her talents, she was supposed to start attending New York School of Visual Arts that summer. Somehow It didn’t felt important at the moment.
Even kept throwing a small ball onto the wall and catching it back when it bounced on the floor, he was also starting attending New York University this year, engineering was his thing, he had always had a talent for pulling any machinery apart and after careful examination pulling it back together, he had drove his mother crazy doing this to every appliance in the house when younger.
-I don´t know how can you be working in your drawing right now- Even suddenly told his sister.
-I´m just trying to keep myself occupied, as you are bouncing that freaking ball for the fucking thousand time- she replied angered at his comment.
-Language! – Even answered without even thinking it, they both kept quiet. It was the way their mother admonished them when she didn´t liked what they just said, it had become a joke between them as they grew older, but now it only reminded them their mother was gone.
The silence was broken by Eydls sobs.
Even ran to her side and hugged her –I´m sorry Eydls, I said it without thinking, please don´t cry or you´ll make me cry too – tears were already stinging his eyed.
-I miss her Even, she´s only been gone for a couple of hours and I miss her so much already – she answered through her sobs.
-I miss her too Eydls, I can´t believe she is gone- tears were now running freely across his face.
As they kept embracing each other they silently cried trying to draw comfort from each other.
-Do you remember the time she went shopping and got caught in a bank heist?-Even asked his sister trying to make her think of happier memories.
-How could I forget?-Eydls replied – I though father was going to have a heart attack when he saw her in the four o´clock news-
Both twins were smiling as Even added –And then he called her cellphone and asked her if she was all right-
-And she answered “yes, why you ask?”-Eydls added-As if nothing had happened.-
They were both laughing by now.
-“Diane, I´m watching you in the news” father told her very angry–Even imitated their fathers pose.-And mum turn into the camera and waved saying hi, I thought father was going to faint after that stunt but he only said “Very funny, I´m worried sick and you are making jokes”-Even added
-And then she blew him a kiss as she whispered “I love you too” on national television. She just had a way of melting dad´s heart- Eydls remembered a sad smile on her face.
-Do you think he is ok?-Even asked his sister.
-I don´t think so-Eydls replied –She literally lighted his world, uncle Thor once told me he had never seen dad truly happy until they met-
-We should check on him-Even stated
He had just said the words when Thor knock on the door –Eydls, Even, are you there?-
-Yes, uncle Thor come in –Eydls answered
-What´s wrong uncle Thor? – Even asked. Their uncle feelings were always easy to read but this time it was evident something was wrong.
-I am worried about your father; he has not been seen for a while. I wonder if you could find him-
Eydls and Even looked at each other and then closed their eyes; they could always find their father even if Heimdall couldn’t.
-He´s still in Asgard, if you were worried about him going to Haven to fight the angels –Even told his uncle.
-He is in the palace –Eydls added –Don´t worry uncle we will go to check on him-
-There´s something else troubling you Uncle Thor. What happened? – Even asked Thor again
Loki had taught them that reading family and friends minds without their consent was least to say impolite unless they felt it was necessary.
Thor knew that if they really wanted to know what he wasn´t telling them they could just read his mind, but he wasn´t sure if he should.
He sighed, they would find out one way or the other –Your father just found at your mother was with child at the moment of her death.-
-What?-Even shouted in surprise.
-Even, we got to find him right now-Eydls states as she reached out for her brother.
As soon as they touched each other they teleported to their father´s location, leaving Thor alone at Eydlss´ chambers.
Loki´s heart was broken; his beautiful wife had died during the angels attack on Asgard. He had been away on Earth with the twins whom had just turned eighteen that year on a mission with the New Avengers team.
Diane had finally given them permission to join the Avengers´ missions as long as their father went along with them. Most of the original avengers had retired from action but they continued taking part of the team training their children who had become the new members. Steve and Natasha´s son Chris fought alongside of his father and had become very good friend of Eydls and Even. Clint´s daughter Helen was the new Hawkeye. Tony and Pepper´s son Antony Junior who was his father´s spitting image was bound into becoming the new Ironman much to Peppers dismay. Thor´s children Asmund, Ronald and Ingrid were still too young to join the team but they were eager to follow their cousin’s footsteps
“Why was she outside the palace?” He kept asking himself
-She went down as a true warrior- Sif had told him. It didn´t made him feel any better, over the years she had asked him to train her so she would be able to protect herself, she kept getting into unexpected trouble whenever she was alone and eventually grew tired of having to wait for Loki and the twins to rescue her.
As he caressed her hair he asked out loud – What were you doing out there? – He was interrupted by Thor walking in.
-I´m sorry brother, are you ok? – He knew he wasn´t but he felt compel to ask him anyway.
-No, I´m not. I don´t think I´ll ever be all right again. It took me over a thousand years to find her, I´ll never be that lucky ever again- his eyes glistered with unshed tears –Do you know what she was doing outside the palace?-
-Not for sure but I would guess she was shopping for gifts for you and the children. They found her satchel.-he replied as he offered Loki Diane´s pouch.
Loki just stared at the bag but he wouldn´t take it for Thor, shopping, why? There wasn´t any birthday or anniversary coming soon. He just couldn´t understood why she had gone by herself.
Thor noticed his brother kept pensive and placed the pouch beside Diane´s body.
-Promise me you won´t do anything foolish- he finally pleaded
-Eydls and Even already made me promise when I asked them to leave me alone with their mother – Loki sighed.
-Then I´ll leave you to your thoughts brother –Thor replied as he gently placed his hand on Loki´s shoulder. He was worried Loki would take on a suicidal mission to avenge his wife.
Minutes after Thor left Loki finally forced himself to look into Diane´s pouch. She had been all over the market judging for the contents of her bag, she had bought the twins favorite candies, a small brass horse figurine undoubtedly an addition to Samantha´s collection, an ancient looking spell book had to be for him, at the bottom of the bag there was a small very neatly wrapped package as he fumble with the wrapping its contents fell with a metal clink sound and rolled under the bed. As he reached down to retrieve it he felt his heart sank it was a small golden baby rattle, the design was beautiful embedded with gold and gems, truly fitted for a prince.
He knew Thor and Jane weren´t expecting another child at the moment, and he couldn’t remember that any of their friends were.
She had wanted to talk to him early that day but she was interrupted by the twin’s arrival announcing the Avengers needing their help to deal with Latveria. She knew Loki still hold a grudge against Doom for kidnapping her and he was thrilled at the opportunity to cross him again. She smiled as she told him to go with the twins –We can talk after you kick Doom but, don´t worry it can wait-. If he had knew that was the last time he would see her alive he wouldn´t had left, he hoped to be wrong, it would be too horrible. Even if it meant tearing his heart even further he had to find out.
Sygn, he needed to find her. He started looking for her he knew she had to be somewhere else in the healing rooms which at the moment were full with both asgardian warriors and common folks who had been injured during the attack. He finally found her in the storage room as she was getting more medicine.
-Sygn- he called her attention, thankfully she was alone- I know you are busy but I need your help, I know this will seem unimportant with everything that´s going on but I need to know, is there a way you can use the soul forge to find out if Diane was pregnant?-
Sygn was surprised by his request, she wished he hadn´t asked her – I don´t need the soul forge Loki-she sighed as she looked at the floor not daring to look at his face –I know she was-
Loki didn’t know his heart could hurt more than it already did –How? – He managed to ask.
Sygn looked up at him –She came to me yesterday, she wasn’t sure. She wanted me to check her, she didn´t wanted to get your hopes up in case she was wrong. I asked her if she had any symptoms after all a long time had passed since the twins. She confessed she hadn´t then explained me how you´ve been able to sense the twins minds while still on her womb and she felt envious because she didn´t felt them at all, she told me –I´ve been feeling someone in my mind, at first I thought it was my imagination but I think he´s reaching out.-
-He?- Loki interrupted her
-I asked her the same question-Sygn replied a sad smile on her face
–I can’t explain it- she confessed to me –But if I´m really with child I know he´s a baby boy, I just know it-
-And it turned out she was right she was two months pregnant.-She hated telling him, it was hard enough to lose his wife and now he knew he had lost a child too.
Loki remained emotionless –Thank you Sygn, I think I need some fresh air- he told her as he walked away.
His lack of reaction worried her more than if he had broken down- Wait Loki- she tried to caught up with him but he had vanished. “He must have teleported, I need to find Thor, I fear that finding out will push him over the edge. How did he knew?”- She kept asking herself as she frantically looked for Thor.
Loki had teleported himself back to his old chambers; they were farther apart from Thor´s and the twin’s chambers, he felt safe to vent all his grief out there.
Losing a child as well as his wife made the pain unbearable, he started trashing the room throwing everything he could to the floor, he flipped the bookcases, broke all his old potions vials. He didn´t even cared or looked what was he grabbing as he tore everything apart until he cut his hand with an old but still sharp dagger, he just stood there staring at his injured hand as his blood dripped onto the floor. He knew he had promised but ending his pain was too tempting. As he took up the dagger and placed it´s point over his heart he closed his eyes; he was shaking. He suddenly felt Diane´s hand on his face; he opened his eyes in surprise. –Please love, don´t –Diane ghost pleaded –If you do that we´ll never be together again- her body glittered, her presence was transparent but he could feel her as she were alive. She was dressed with a white gown over which a golden armour was placed. She had died as a warrior he remembered, she was in Valhalla. She was right if he killed himself he wouldn’t be able to see her again.
-Why didn´t you told me? –He reproached –I wouldn´t had left your side-
-I´m sorry, I thought we would have time-she confessed –I know you are in pain, but you don´t have to worry about us, we are ok. It was quick.-
Loki was about to ask her when she called a young boy´s ghost he hadn’t realized was at her side –Loki, he´s our unborn child Locke-
He looked about six years old, he must have looked like that if he had lived that long Loki guessed, tears flooded his eyes as he felt the tiny hand touch his face –Father – he could sense ancient magic and wisdom on his sons voice- Don´t despair. He smiled at him –Everything will be all right, we´ll be together soon enough. Have faith in yourself and in my blood siblings, search for your sister …-
-My sister? – Loki frowned he had no sisters, Laufey had no daughters neither did Odin.
-Sleep father, it will all came back to you-Locke said as he laid his hands on Loki´s eyes. He suddenly felt asleep.
Long forgotten memories of a green skinned woman appeared in his dreams –… he used one of the infinity gems to resurrect her …-the words echoed his mind.
It was his fault, he´d finally found him. He´d been as helpless as before but this time he wasn´t alone, this time he hadn´t pulled him from the infinite void. His friends had fought for him, thought and died. Even his brother had fallen, he hadn´t been able to help him.
He was in chains again, defeated by the mad titan.
-You thought I´d forgotten about you, didn´t you trickster? – His red eyes glowed with anticipation of the tortures he had designed for him.
He shivered, but not from fear of his fate he´d already accepted it, he´d captured them also, would he make them watch as he tortured him, or would he torture them and make him watch. His children, his wife, why hadn´t he been able to protect them?
Eydl and Even, his beloved twins, their hair was light brown as their mother, his beautiful two year old children, they were too young to be at the edge of death. His oldest Samantha, she looked more like her mother every day, she would´ve made a beautiful bride someday.
Diane, the love of his life, he owed her more than he could ever repay her. And he couldn´t keep her safe.
The first stroke of the whip snapped him out of his thoughts, it burned, he remembered still the first time he felt it, he was supposed to conquer Earth and deliver the Teseract, and he had failed.
As the second stroke hit him he could hear Diane crying for him, how he wished she didn´t had to watch, the next strokes came swiftly until he lost count.
He was half conscious, but he could still hear Diane sobs.
-So many tears over the trickster woman, maybe I should give you a better reason to cry for- Thanos wickedly stated.
-No!- Diane shouted as they brought her children – Don´t hurt them please, I´ll do whatever you want, please don´t hurt them – she fell to her knees crying in impotence.
-I might be tempted for that offer woman, I´d like to see what the trickster finds in you, but then again why should I trade when I can force it out from you- he laughed as he obliterated her children from existence.
-No!-Diane cried – You monster! You killed them! They were only children! Why?-
Loki tried to lift his head, he could only see a dark blast mark from where his children had been slayed, he howled in pain, he wished Thanos had just killed him.
-Still awake runt? Maybe I should give you a spectacle to enjoy while I decide your next torture- with that he pushed Diane to the ground as he tore her clothes.
-No! Leave me alone! – Diane fought him but she just wasn´t strong enough.
-I like it when then fight- Thanos said to Loki as he stroke Diane across her face , then pushed her legs apart and finally trusted his member into her.
-No! – Loki suddenly sat up, his heart thumping in his chest; it had been a dream, a vicious nightmare, he was at the Malibu compound. Diane sound asleep at his side. He was still shaking, cold sweat enveloped his body, he hadn´t had a nightmare in over three years now. They hadn´t stop since Thanos captured him, but they came less frequent now. He´d never told anyone about them, not even Diane; he hated the fact that Thanos could still torture him in his dreams. But after all they were just dreams, eight years and a half had passed since the chitauri invasion.
There was no reason to believe Thanos knew he was alive, and with the Teseract in Asgard he probably didn’t thought of Earth as appealing.
He got up, even if he knew it was a dream he felt compelled to check on his children. He went to Samantha´s room first, she was sound asleep, all her bedcovers in the floor, he picked them up and covered her.
-Daddy? – She asked half-asleep
-Shh, go back to sleep. It´s ok- he whispered softly as she fell back to sleep.
Next he went to the twins’ room, they were at their crib. They refused to sleep in separate beds as they embraced each other to sleep. He smiled at them; they looked so peaceful even when they were an absolute handful when awake. Their lucky children, he would have to start teaching them magic soon before they started experimenting on their own.
He went back to his bedroom, Diane hadn´t realized he had gotten up. As he climbed back to bed he felt the need to hug her, as he did Diane complained softly he had awaken her, half-sleepy green eyes opened – Loki?- she softly asked –What´s wrong?-
-Nothing love- he replied – I just love you too much-
-Me too- she kissed him – Now let´s get back to sleep, ok? – She yawned as he hugged him pulling him closer to her.
-All right- he answered as he returned her embrace.
Everything was all right, he was with his family, with his friends, he was where he belonged, where he was loved. Once he felt he didn´t belonged anywhere, now he knew he had been wrong.
Notes
The continuation of this story: Loki´s Quest
After the magic incident with the twins Banner programmed all invasive procedures to include Loki´s presence in case something unexpected happened, though nothing did, perhaps Loki´s presence alone was enough to calm both Diane and the twins.
Diane´s delivery date was set on the last weeks of October, though Loki refused to go on any mission within the first days of October worried Diane would go into labor without him. Thor decided to stay with them a few days later so the brothers ended stuck together in the palace for weeks.
One morning while they were having breakfast they were telling stories about a hunting trip they had took when young and all the fun and adventures they encountered with when Diane asked them –Why don´t you both go on a hunting trip? You seem to enjoy them very much, and I guess it´s been a very long time since you went in one: and you probably won’t have the chance to go for a long time.-
I really don´t think that´s a good idea Diane, your due date is closing in-Loki tried to reason with her
-I hardly think the twins would choose to be born on the only day you decide to go hunting-Diane replied –It will be good for both of you, you have been stuck in the palace for too long now.-
-Come on brother, it will be fun-Thor tried to encourage him to go-We don´t have to go too far, we can hunt in the forest just outside the city-
-Can I go?-Samantha interrupted
-Most definitely not, you are too young. Maybe next time-Loki quickly answered
-So you are going?-Diane asked with a smile
-All right, we´ll go. But I think you´re trying to get rid of us for a while-Loki told her as he kissed her.
-Maybe-she mischievously answered, it had been a little too much having the brothers locked together; she wondered how Frigga managed to handle them when younger.
-We´ll be back soon-Thor reassured them.
As they mounted their horses Loki shifted into one of the guards of the palace so no one would recognize him, he would change back once they were alone in the forest.
Diane watched them leave; they both looked happy and excited. It made her glad she had convinced them to share a moment that reminded them of happier times.
-So brother, should we look for a boar or you have something else in mind?-Thor asked Loki as they reached the forest.
-I think boar should be fine; we can eat it later with a good amount of mead-Loki answered with a smile
-You still remember that? – Thor laughed
-Of course I do- Loki replied –I had to get you out of the mess you got yourself into. I still don´t know how you manage single handed to insult everyone at the tavern.-
-It was a good fight, wasn´t it? – Thor asked while still laughing at the memories
-If by a good fight you mean I had to rescue you from under a pile of drunken worriers, then I guess you could say that-Loki reminded him
-I don´t remember it that way-Thor replied while rubbing his beard.
-That´s because you had too much mead in you-Loki laughed-Now come let´s look for that boar I want to get back in time for dinner.
They picked up a trail and started the hunt, asgardian boars were not like earth one´s, they were big as a calf with tusks sharp enough to pierce an armour.
As Loki lurked the beast it caught his scent and furiously came after him lowering his head to run him over his tusks.Loki lifted his spear ready to finish the best when something or someone unexpectedly invaded his mind, confusion, fear, pain, help, it was too overwhelming Loki felt to his knees while trying to shield his mind from all the feelings that suddenly invaded it forgetting about the boar that was only a few meters from him.
-Loki!- Thor shouted as he watched his brother fall and quickly bridge the gap between them just in time to hold the boar through its tusks avoiding Loki for just a couple of steps. Then quickly disposed of the beast with his bare hands before rushing to his brother´s side.
-Loki! Are you all right? What happened?-Thor asked as Loki tried to catch his breath after the violent intrusion to his mind.
-I´m not sure … It was too overwhelming someone projected …- he paled not someone the twins have sought for him – Something´s wrong- he told Thor- We need to get back to the palace, it was the twins; they were scared- He tried to get up, but he still felt lightheaded.
-Can you use your magic?-Thor asked worryingly
-In a moment perhaps, I´m still a bit disoriented-Loki frowned as he answered, why did he let Diane convince him to leave, every time she left his sight something like this happened.
-Should we try to get by horse then?-Thor asked him
“No, it would take too long” Loki thought then asked Thor –Can you fly us in?-
-Yes, I can but I though you hated travelling like that-Thor replied
-I´ll survive, let´s go- he did hated it but it was the fastest way to get back to the palace.
-All right-Thor said as he started spinning Mjolnir over their heads.
It didn’t took them long to get in the palace, as they reached the healing rooms Loki heard Diane scream, she had gone into labor, that explained the twins reaction.
-Loki-Diane sighed as she saw him-I´m sorry I should´ve know this would happen, it seems every time you leave something like this happens- she told him while recuperating from the last contraction. Odin and Frigga were at her side.
-Don´t worry, but I´m planning on seriously not taking my eye of you ever again-Loki jokingly replied as he replaced Frigga at Diane´s side.
-Promise? – Diane asked as she was interrupted by another contraction
-I promise-Loki reassured her as soon as the contraction ended.
-Ok, ok- Diane whispered worn out from that last contraction as she rested her head against the hospital bed Banner had asked Tony to send over the last month.
-How is he Doc?-Loki asked Banner
-She´s doing fine by now. The twins should be born soon.-Banner answered then asked him –How did you get back so soon? The messenger we sent for you only left about ten minutes ago.
-The twins called me; they were scared-Loki replied while holding Diane´s hand
-Are they ok now?-Diane asked him worryingly
-I don´t know, I shut my mind after they found me, their feelings were too overwhelming, I´ll try to comfort them , I´ll calm them down- Loki reassured her as another contraction came in.
Loki concentrated into projecting to his children a reassuring presence before opening his mind “You will be all right” he mentally stated “It will be only a moment and then we will finally meet, don´t be scared, everything will be all right” he opened his mind slowly not wanting to get again overwhelmed by the twins. He still felt confusion but they weren´t scared any more, he smiled as he said –Yes, they are all right Diane, a bit confused but they aren´t scared any more-
Diane sighed it eased her mind.
-Where´s my mummy? I want to see her-Samantha´s voice could be heard from the other side of the door she probably had just returned from school.
-I´ll go to her- Thor reassured Diane as Loki nodded affirmatively.
-It´s all right Samantha-Thor said as he carried her in his arms –The twins are coming, you can´t see your mom right now, we´ll have to wait until the twins are born.-
-I´m scared-Samantha told him-I heard her scream-
-That´s normal little one, don´t be scared. Should we go to the gardens and wait there?-Thor kindly asked her
-Ok-Samantha doubted until she heard Diane screaming again, and then held herself tight against Thor.
As he carried her across the halls he saw his team mates appear around the corner.
-Sif told us Diane had gone into labor-Tony told Thor as he saw his questioning look-Are the twins born yet?-
-Not yet-Thor replied-I´m taking Samantha to the gardens to wait until the twins are born but you can go to the healing halls.-
-Do you want some company?-Steve asked him
-We´ll be all right, you go ahead. Call for us when the twins are born.-Thor answered
As they arrived another scream could be heard.
“God gracious!” Tony though, no wonders Thor took Samantha to the gardens he wished he had gone with them.
-I´ll go in and see if Banner needs any help –Natasha told them- You should wait here.-
She had some medical training that could be useful.
-Natasha! – Diane said as she extended her hand to her with a weary smile –You came-
-Of course we came, we wouldn´t have missed this for the world. The rest of the team is outside. I just came to see if Banner would like some extra help.-
-You have medical training?-Banner asked her after another contraction.
-Yes. It´s standard training but I think I could make a decent nurse should you need one.-
-All right, go change then. Sygn can show you where to wash yourself -Banner told her as he pointed to some medical garments over the next bed.
-Diane, you are almost fully dilated by now –Banner told her –It will be over soon, you´ll have to push very hard when I tell you to, ok? Don´t push before I tell you-
-Ok Bruce – she replied they had become very close during her pregnancy.
-You´re doing fine love, you´ll soon be holding our children in your arms-Loki reassured her as another contraction came.
-Ok Diane, now push!-Banner told her as he placed himself to receive the baby-Push Diane, push!-
Diane pushed with all her strength.
-It´s a baby girl- he told them.
-Eydls!-Diane sighed, they had already chosen the twins names, Eydls meant Goddess of Luck, the boy’s name was Even which meant Lucky, after all they were their lucky children, their miracle babies.
Eydls skin was pale blue but shifted at Banners touch to pink.
-Just like her father-Odin stated remembering the first time he held Loki in his arms.
Banner cut the umbilical cord after clamping it and presented Eydls to her mother.
-Hello precious-Diane said to her with a smile, having her in her arms made all the pain go away.
Loki looked at his daughter, she was beautiful –Hi love, it´s dad- He told her with a smile as he gently touched her cheek with his fingertips. She opened her eyes for a moment they were emerald green.
Suddenly Diane complained she was having another contraction, Loki took Eydls from her arms.
-We are not done yet Diane, you´ll have to push again-Bruce reminded her.
Diane tried to push hard again but she was to tired – I can´t – she said tears on her eyes- I´m too tired, I can´t – panic was on her voice.
-Yes you can Diane, you re the most amazing woman in the universe, remember? You can do it. Please just push-Loki reassured her as he place Eydls in Sygn arms –I´m here for you, you can do it-
-Ok, ok, I´ll try-Diane answered
As another contraction came Diane pushed with all the strength she had left.
-It´s a baby boy-Banner announced as he received the bay.
-Even-Loki stated as he looked at his son shifting as his sister had before.
Banner repeated the operation and placed Even in Diane´s arms- Well done Diane- he congratulated her.
-Even-Diane was crying as he hold him-My little one- she talked to him as she kissed his cheek she offered him to Loki
-Hi, Even-Loki couldn´t be happier he was holding his son for the first time.
-Take care of all my children-Diane suddenly said to him as she cramped in pain. She knew something was wrong, she could feel herself fading.
-Damned!-Banner shouted –She´s hemorrhaging – He could see her vitals in the monitor, they were becoming erratic, then added.-We need to get her a transfusion immediately-
-Take mine –Loki offered still holding Even in his arms
-No, it won´t work. We need aesier blood.-
-Then take mine- Odin stepped forward.
-Ok-Banner said –Natasha, can you prep him?-
-Yes-Natasha answered as she quickly prepared him for the transfusion.
-I need to find the source of the bleeding and stop it-Banner said to Natasha –I´ll have to operate, Sygn can help me, can you set the transfusion yourself?-
-Yes, don´t worry-Natasha answered
As the monitors started beeping he could see Diane´s blood staining the bed.
-Diane! – He shouted in fear as tears rolled out from his eyes.
-Get him out of here!-Banner shouted
Frigga helped his son out of the room while holding Even still in his arms, he was in shock.
-What will I do? What will I do mother? – He asked trembling-What will I do if I lose her? – He was crying while holding Even close to him as he leaned his back into the wall.
-You will do as she asked you-Frigga answered him-you will take care of all her children.-
“All her children” echoed in his mind, he had forgotten he was still holding Even; then he looked at him –I´m sorry- he told his son –It will be all right, don´t worry-tears still flowing from his eyes.
It was too bright, the light hurt her eyes, what happened?, she was confused, it ached, her body ached as she fought to keep her eyes open, weariness won as she felt asleep again.
The next time she opened her eyes the light was dimmer, it must be late in the evening she thought to herself then turned her head to her left, there was Loki, he´d fallen asleep at her side. She smiled then allowed herself to go back to sleep.
The third time she opened her eyes she didn’t felt drowsy anymore, a pair of green emerald eyes were staring at hers, she smiled –Hi! – She said to Loki
-You gave me quite a scare- Loki admitted as he smiled back at her.
-I´m sorry- she answered softly almost whispering.
-It´s ok – he said as he stroked her hair- You are ok now and that´s all that matters. You don´t have to apologize for anything-
-How are our children? – She asked him
-Eydls and Even are sleeping at their crib, I think they miss you. Samantha is with Thor, he´s been taking care of her since the twins were born, she was worried about you, she´ll be happy to see you awake.-
-I love you-Diane said to him, she couldn´t believe sometimes he was hers.
-I love you too- he answered, he would be lost without her, he was so glad he didn´t had to find out if he could raise their children without her –Don´t ever leave me- he added tears in his eyes-
-Never- she answered- You´re stuck with me until the all the stars have faded.-
They kissed as their hearts beat as one.
-Are you going to be ok without Banner and me?-Loki asked Tony
-We will manage don´t Worry. Besides Thor is staying with us, should we need either of youwe´ll just ask him to call you back. Take care of your family, all that hero stuff can wait- Tony answered
-I will, thanks-Loki replied as they embraced.
Everything was about to change, he knew it. He felt a little guilty for stealing Banner away from the team, but the Dr. had made his own mind. Banner would stay in Asgard with them until the baby was born.
-I´m going to miss you all– Diane said while holding Natasha´s hands
-We´ll miss you to, it will be too quiet without you- she smiled
-Will you come to visit us-Diane asked
-We will-Steve answered, as all of them he was worried both for Diane and Loki- Now. Take care of yourself and the baby-
-I will- Diane answered she hoped Banner was right and she would recuperate her strength in Asgard. She hated that everyone was worried about her, specially Loki; he thought he had deceived her trying really hard to hide his feelings but she knew him better than anyone.
-Take care of your mum, sweetie-Tony said to Samantha as he hugged her, they had become a family; it was unsettling watching them leave.
-Keep us posted Doc-Clint told Banner as he patted his shoulder.
-Don´t worry, I will.-Banner answered
-I´ll help them settle in then I´ll come back-Thor informed them. They were all set to go as everyone had finished saying their goodbyes.
Everything was prepared in Asgard for their arrival, so Thor didn´t had much reason to delay his departure.
-I´ll come to visit as often as I can-Thor said to Loki
-I know you will brother- they hugged
Banner had been right barely a week they had been in Asgard Diane was strong enough to take small walks in the palace gardens.
As Diane felt better she insisted Loki to spend some time with the Avengers, she loved her husband but having him guarding her every single moment was too exhausting. It took her months, but she finally convinced him.
While in one of those missions the Bifrost suddenly opened. Lady Sif appeared.
Loki felt a pang of fear at his stomach, she wouldn´t had come without a good reason.
-Is Diane ok? – He asked her
-Yes, she is. Don´t worry. But she needs you to come back urgently, she waits for you at the healing rooms-Sif replied
That didn´t make any sense- But she´s ok, right?-Loki asked again
-Yes, but she made me promise not to tell you the reason she needs you back, she wants to tell you herself- Sif answered
-Go to her brother-Thor told him- Sif can stay and help us complete the mission-
Without a second thought Loki was gone.
-Sif is Diane really ok?-Thor asked her worryingly
-Yes, she is, I guess I can tell you. She didn´t said anything about not telling you- Then she added- A magical problem has presented itself, it appears that the twins have his father´s abilities.-
Tony whirled his head as he stated in disbelief- Twins?-
-Yes- Sif said smiling at his response
-And they are magical, right? – Thor confirmed as he raised his eyebrows
-Yes- Sif answered again
-Oh boy! Loki is going to freak. No wonder Diane made you promise not to tell him-Tony added
As Loki arrived to the healing rooms he met Banner
-Where´s Diane?-he asked worryingly
-Over hear- Diane shouted-Up here-she corrected herself
Loki looked up, Diane was suspended against the ceiling for what he thought was a magic protective barrier, he couldn’t even imagine what had happened so he asked Banner –What´s going on? How did she get up there? What happened?-
Banner had just opened his mouth when Diane interrupted him – It seems that the twins feel a tad overprotective-
-Did she just say twins?-Loki interrogated Banner
-Yes- he smiled-We performed an ultrasound earlier and we have confirmed Diane is expecting twins, a boy and a girl.-
Loki absentmindly sat on the nearest bed – Twins? – He kept asking –and they can do magic?-
-Yes- Banner answered, Loki was obviously overwhelmed by the news- They seem to be psychic linked to Diane. While attempting to take an amniotic fluid sample they created the barrier, our attempts to cross it lead to them lifting Diane up out of our reach. I guess Diane was afraid of the needle so they reacted protecting her with the barrier, but now she´s afraid of falling down so they are keeping her up there.-
Loki couldn´t believe it, he just couldn´t, he was absorbed in his thoughts when Diane called for him –Loki, a little help please?-
-Ah, yes- he had forgotten for a moment-What do you want me to do? – He asked Banner
-Well, I have the theory that the twins will recognize you as their father and let you through the barrier, and Diane will be finally able to calm down enough having you at her side so the twins will turn of the barrier. I don´t know if they will get her down before doing so, I suggest you get a good hold of Diane in case they don´t.-
-All right- Loki said –I´ll give it a try-
He concentrated for a moment as he casted a levitation spell on himself, as the distance between him and Diane shorten he said to her –Hi, how about that? twins, ah!- he was trying to distract her as he reached for the barrier – Yes- she answered with a smile then answered –I never thought they could do magic, they gave me quite a scare-she admitted.
-I can imagine- he smiled as he successfully got through the magic barrier then swiftly held Diane to avoid her from falling, he had secured her just in time as the barrier suddenly disappeared.
-Are you ok? – He asked Diane
-I think so-she answered-A little tired of all this emotions-
-I would think so, what about we call it a day Doc?-he asked Banner
-I think we all need to rest after today´s events- he answered
Loki had been resting his head softly on Diane´s belly for a good while when she asked her curiously – What are you doing?-
-Oh, sorry. I´ve been trying to communicate with our children- he answered
-Any luck? – She asked
-They are too young to understand thoughts as we do, but they communicate through emotions, right now I think they are happy- Loki told her with a smile
-I´m feeling happy too- she said to Loki as she kissed him.
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