Month: December 2014 (Page 5 of 7)

-Jarvis- said Tony- I need to know the apartment number of 51st Avenue 2085 12th floor southwest corner-
-Right away sir, it would be number 1204-
They had all agreed that flying through the hole in the windows wasn’t a good idea, so they got into the building lift.
-I didn´t needed all you come- Loki said feeling rather crowded
-We know, but then we´d missed out the fun – Tony replied a smirk on his face as they got out.
-You should turn left Sir; the apartment is two doors away from you on the right-
-Thank you Jarvis-. Tony replied
-Here it is- he said to Loki inviting him to knock
With a frustration sigh Loki went ahead and knocked.
-I´ll open, I´ll open – a child’s voice could be heard responding to the door knocking.
As a little girl roughly six years old opened a woman´s voice could be heard cautioning her daughter – Samantha, I´ve told you a million times to wait for me to open the door, you don´t know who´s knocking- as Diane finished her sentence she caught up with her daughter who was staring in amazement at the committee at her door.
-Loki? – Diane said her voice reflecting as much surprise as her daughter´s face.
-Umm, yes – Loki stammered being caught off guard, then Tony gave him a little shove and step at his side- Hi, we understand our friend made an emergency landing on your bedroom and we´ve come to help him with the repairs-
-Off course- Diane said still very surprised then she hold her daughters shoulders and moved aside to let them in – I´m sorry, come in-
-Mum, then it´s true? Loki did crash in your bed? I thought you were kidding me- Samantha turned and ask her mother
-Well, now you see I wasn´t- Diane replied to her with a smile- That´s why I didn´t let you go to my room. It´s not safe for you to go in right now-
Samantha was delighted, did she have a story to tell tomorrow at school, the Avengers we´re on her living room. She couldn´t stop staring at them, she would have to take a photo, or no one would believe her.
-Sorry for the intrusion mam- Steve picked up the conversation- I hope we aren’t disturbing you or your husband. We´ll be swift with the repairs and leave you alone-
-Please call me Diane- she answered him then noticed his remark about a husband and clumsily added while looking distractedly to Loki – You aren’t bothering us, it´s only the two of us… I mean … I´m not married any more… I´m divorced- she blushed it was the first time she said it out loudthen changed the subject – Samantha is clearly thrilled by you being here, I´m surprise she hasn´t started asking for your autographs yet.
Tony had discretely poked with his elbow at Loki’s ribs at Diane´s comment and raised an elbow inviting him to seize the opportunity which made Loki utterly uncomfortable although he was deeply relief Diane wasn’t married.
-Could you? Can I have your autographs? – Samantha hadn´t thought about it yet until her mother mentioned
-Of course –Tony said smiling at her
-I´ll go and get my notebook- she replied as she went running to her room for a notebook.
Then Tony added – Diane, could you guide us to the bedroom, I´d like to see the extend of the damages-
-Certainly it´s over here- Diane walked him towards her bedroom and opened the door that had been locked as a precaution to avoid letting Samantha in.
As Tony got in he shouted in disbelief – Holly crap! Loki, what did you do?
Loki got in as soon as he heard Tony and answered angered by his remark: It´s not my fault. I just happened to crash in, it´s Doom´s fault for throwing that been at me in the first place-
-But how on earth did you manage to wreck everything? – Tony added
-But I´m here to fix it am I not?-
-Yes, but …- Tony keep ranting at the state of the bedroom as Steve said to Diane – I´d better get in before they get at each other´s throats and make even more off a mess- as he walked into he shouted to everyone´d amusement– Oh, my God! Loki, what did you do?-
-It´s not my fault- Loki whined
-Can I go and see mum? – Samantha asked curious at the state of her mother´s bedroom
-I´d rather you didn´t- Diane answered
-How about you show me your room? I´m sure you have lots of interesting toys-Natasha said to Samantha
-Ok-Samantha answered cheerfully as she grabbed Natasha´s hand and guided her to her room.
As discussion sounded a bit more heated in Diane’s room Thor and Clint excused themselves and went in. A few moments later it all seemed to calm down.
Bruce and Diane stayed outside, not sure of what to say Diane asked him –Are you joining them?-
-I´ve never been good at the arts and crafts thing- Bruce admitted he, well the other guy was more in the demolition business he thought to himself.
-Ok, how about cooking?-Diane asked
-That I can do- Bruce answered with a smile
-Perfect, will you join me in the kitchen Dr. Banner?-she said to him as he showed him the way to the kitchen
-Please call me Bruce-then added – After you-
Meanwhile they finally settle on a plan for the reconstruction.
-Ok-Tony said –Thor, Steve and I will start with the repairs of the window, Loki and Clint will first clear out the debris from the rest of the room, then I guess you’d better go shopping for some furniture these are useless- then as he think it over added- On second thought, Loki you should take Natasha shopping and let her choose everything-
-You don´t think I can pick up some furniture?-Loki said sounding angry
-Oh! I´m quite sure you can, but we need a woman´s touch- Tony smiled trying to make Loki feel better
-Ok- Loki said not wanting to get into another argument.
Having cleared the debris out of the room Clint took Natasha´s place as Samantha´s playmate, who was thrilled and kept trying to make Clint show her some of his shooting skills, he finally yield but to Samantha´s disappointment he didn´t used his arch although to her delight manage to make a rather enjoyable shooting ring out of her toys.
-Jarvis, what´s the delivery time on the list I gave you earlier?-Tony asked the IA
-The materials you ordered should arrive within 15 minutes sir- Jarvis replied
-Perfect, we´ll have the windows frames fixed by then-
-Mm, what´s that smell?-Clint asked Samantha
As the girl shut her eyes and sniffed she replied- Mummy is cooking pizza. She makes the best pizzas-
-They certainly smell good? Should we take a look?-
Samantha nodded as she and Clint headed for the kitchen where Diane and Bruce had finished cooking and were busy cleaning up. Seeing her daughter Diane told her – The pizza won´t be ready for another 10 minutes. You´ll have to wait a bit-
-Oh! Ok.-Samantha pouted – It´s just that it smells so good…- then lingered as she could change her mother´s mind.
Diane laughed – You know I can´t make it cook faster, you´ll have to wait or we´ll end up with a half cooked pizza, Why don´t you help us set the plates? – She proposed knowing she wouldn´t be able to get her child away of the kitchen.-
-All right, you´ll help me? –Samantha asked Clint
-Of course, just point me to the dishes- he answered with a smile. It was nice to spent an afternoon off their routine and relax.
As the cooking alarm went off indicating the pizza was ready Bruce told Diane – I´ll go get the others-
-All right- Diane answered as she pulled the pizzas from the oven.
Loki and Natasha had just teleported in a few moments ago with their purchases before Bruce went looking for them- Dinner is served-he told them then exclaimed –Wow! You´ve done quite a good job, you´d never know a Norse god crashed in here-
-For the last time, it wasn´t my fault-Loki replied pouting
-Don´t worry brother –Thor said to him as he put his arm over his brother shoulders in an embrace –Bruce is only joking, and we all know it wasn´t your fault-
-Let´s go eat- Tony interrupted- I´m famished. What´s in the menu?-
-Pizza- Bruce replied with a smile
As they all sat at the table Diane walked out and placed the second already sliced pizza in the table, then warned her daughter –Careful, they´re still quite hot-
-Ok, mum-Samantha said then asked for a Hawaiian pizza slice.
-Mm, this is quite good-Tony said taking his third bite –Where did you buy them from?-
-I cooked them- Diane answered slightly blushing – me and Bruce-
-You´re kidding me!-Tony blurted –Are you a chef?-
-No- Diane said laughing- No, I just love cooking and little gourmet here – she said pointing at her daughter- is very picky-
-I´m not- Samantha replied –I just like your cooking better- she said blowing her mother a kiss.
They seemed to be like a family, well, a rather peculiar one Loki thought remembering Irina´s family gatherings. He was glad all of his team mates were there, although he longed for a moment not too long ago where he felt something that still made his heart jump as he watched Diane laugh at Tony silly comments.
As they finished eating Bruce volunteered to help Diane with the dishes and Samantha whispered something at Tony´s ear.
-I think we can do that- he smiled at her in complicity the asked her mother –Diane, would you mind if we made a few improvements on Samantha´s room?-
-As long as it’s not a carrousel I don´t see why not-she answered jokingly to him-
-Sorry kid, no carrousel- then winked his eye at her –Come on, let’s take a look- then asked Steve-Can you bring the leftovers from the construction materials?-
-All right-Steve said then asked to the rest of the team- Can you finish the bedroom without us?-
-Of course, it´s not much left to do-Natasha replied -and Clint can help us – she added.
Tony didn’t hear the rest of the conversation as Samantha was pulling him enthusiastically towards her room.
As they had finished washing and drying the dishes Clint came in – We´ve finished, care to take a look?-
-So soon?-Diane asked then nervously walked to her room
-I hope you like it-Loki said welcoming her at the entrance
-Oh, my God! – She exclaimed as she placed her hand´s over her mouth in surprise then gave Loki a hug- Thank you. Thank you. It´s beautiful- she thanked him as she kissed him on the cheek.
Her reaction took Loki by surprise as he blush feeling his heart beating faster.
-Oh! I´m sorry- she said as she herself blush as she noticed Loki’s reaction and broke her embrace- I got carried away. It´s just so beautiful. It´s too much. – Then said to all – I can´t thank you enough-
-There is no need to thank us Diane-Thor replied-We are glad to have helped-
They were indeed happy to have helped; they rarely had the opportunity to help someone they knew. Loki´s and Diane´s shy smile as their blushing faded was payment enough.
As they left Diane and Samantha waved goodbye to them from their apartment’s door as the elevators door closed.
Diane asked her daughter as she closed the door–So, what did you asked Tony for your room?-
-A secret hideout – she answered with glee
-Oh, my little bunny, let´s go find it- she said as she carried her giggling daughter into her room.

Diane just arrived at her apartment as the phone rang, it was her sister –So sys, are you finally a free woman? -she asked
-Yes, I am- Diane answered Madeleine with a grin on her face- Three years of fussing about it but finally the divorce papers are signed
-Congratulations! So are you going to finally let me set you up on a date?-
-Come on Maddie, let me enjoy my freedom for a moment before trying to play cupid- Diane said as she rolled her eyes at her sister comment
-Ok, ok, don´t get all worked up about it. I´ll see you tomorrow. I just wanted to know how you were doing. – Madeleine replied
-I´m fine, don´t sweat it. I´ll see you tomorrow. Bye- Diane told her sister
-Ok, bye. Love you-
-I love you too, bye-
As Diane hung the phone she sighed –Free at last- she said, although the signing the divorce papers only made it legal, she had been alone for three years by now. She walked into the bathroom to get a shower; she wanted to relax as tension had built up on her.
Diane step into the shower unaware that a few miles away a battle was starting; the Avengers were fighting Dr. Doom.
As she walked away from the bathroom and towards her bed wrapping a towel over her wet body she said at loud while looking herself in the mirror – So a free woman, uh? Then why I feel so lonely all up the sudden – then she admonished herself – Well, no dating and no action in three years can do that – then with a sigh she said – God! I need a new husband or at least …-
She was interrupted before finishing her sentence by the sound of broken glass provoked by something, or rather someone being thrown forcefully from outside and landing upright in her mattress with a loud crash causing it to break as well as forming a great cloud of dust, debris and glass.
-What the hell?- she thought as she manage to pull herself up to investigate the source of the wrecking of her bedroom, as she approached the remaining´s of her bed she saw that someone was over the wrecked mattress, dress with an armour and a big helmet with horns. He looked quite as surprised as her of being thrown down into her apartment.
As she moved in closer to see and ask him if he was ok she was taken by surprise – He has green eyes, such a beautiful shade of green – she thought as she felt her heart beating faster as blood rushed over her cheeks, she hadn´t felt that way before, as the rest of the world had gone empty and only them existed.
-Green eyes looking back at mine, that´s a first …- he thought – I like that … I like that a lot …- his pupils dilated as he felt a warmth coming over him, then he noticed she had asked him if he was ok.
-Yes- he finally answered as they kept staring at each other eyes mesmerized, hers were closer to olive green, his to emeralds.
-I´m Loki- he told her as he started getting up
-I know – she smiled which cause Loki´s heart to skip a beat- I´m Diane – she replied
As Loki climbed down of the wrecked mattress Thor arrived.
-Are you ok, brother? That beam hit you pretty hard- then he noticed Diane and averted his eyes.
Suddenly Diane realized that her towel had been flown away during the commotion as she blushed she tried to find something to cover herself up.
Loki noticed she was naked practically the same second she did and swiftly pulled out his cape to cover her.
-Thank you- Diane thanked him shyly
-Don’t mention it, it´s my fault. I trashed your bedroom. I promise I´ll fix it as soon as I can- he told her feeling a bit awkward.
The moment was broken but they had both felt a connection between them and with Thor there they weren´t sure what to say next as they half looked at each other shyly.
Thor coughed realizing he had interrupted something then said to Loki- I think we´d better help the others before Doom trashes half New York.-
-Yes, we should- Loki replied then reassured Diane –I promise I´ll fix it-
-Ok. – Diane answered as she saw them leave.
-What a mess!- she said as she noticed the extend of the damages – I´ll better get dress and start cleaning up- then though to herself – Will he be ok? Will he really come back? – Then nodded her head negatively – Don´t be silly, this kind of thing probably happen to him all the time, although I wouldn´t mind him coming back. – With that last thought she started climbing the debris on her way to her closet.
-Are you all right brother? Thor asked Loki – You seem a bit distracted – he added with a smile-
-I´m ok, why would you said that- Loki inquired
-Well, a beautiful woman can be a serious distraction- Thor grinned
-I´ve got no idea what so ever of what are you talking about- Loki lied as he tried to sound shocked by his brother suggestion though his blushing gave him away.
He was thankful they were in the middle of the fight a few seconds later so he wouldn´t have to answer any more of his brother´s questions.
As battle ended with Doom´s defeat, Loki said to his teammates – I´ll see you later, I´ve got something to do-
-You’re going back to see her?-Thor asked willfully trying to make his brother squirm a bit
-That’s not of your concern- Loki answered
-What woman? – Clint asked
-Is she pretty? –Tony added in the conversation
-Loki felt over her bedroom when hit by Dooms magic blast and he promised to fix it later –Thor explained enjoying the baffled look on Loki´s face
-I want to go – Clint said-
-Me too – Tony volunteered
-No, no, no, you´re not coming with me – Loki refused in distraught
-Come on, we just have to meet the girl that caught your eye- Natasha pitched in
Loki sighed
-Coming Steve?-
-Well, I guess I should, if only to make sure you don´t drive a poor lady crazy with your nonsense. Coming Doc? – He asked Banner
-All right, if you are all going I think I´ll tag along.-
– I´m curious to see who stole our God´s of mischief heart. –Tony joked
Loki was at lost, they had all decided. He wasn´t going to win that argument.Like if it wasn´t bad enough he was feeling a turmoil of emotions that confused him he was going to get all the team to chaperone him.
-Jarvis –Tony said in a more serious tone – We might need some construction materials. I´ll tell you as soon as I make a list, and we´ll need them ASAP-
-Understood Sir- the IA replied.

-Do you think they´ll be ok with it? – Loki asked nervously to Thor.
-Why wouldn´t they? You have proven yourself worthy-Thor replied without a doubt on his mind
-But I wasn´t exactly nice to them-Loki remembered him
-You didn´t do it willingly, they´ll understand-Thor reassured him
-I´m not so sure-Loki said worried it wasn’t such a good idea after all.
As they entered the Avengers tower all alarms went off, and they suddenly were met by all the avengers fully armed and pointing their weapons towards Loki
-Told you-Loki snapped at Thor
-Dear friends- Thor walked protectively in front of his brother – You need not to be afraid of Loki, he´s changed his ways and wish to join our efforts to keep Midgard safe-
Ironman removed his face peace –You got to be kidding me- he said to Thor
-No I am not-Thor replied – If you let us explain I am sure you will be satisfied with our story-
-All right- Steve said –But I think I´ll listen to your story first and lower the weapons later-
-I can live with that-Loki told Thor -Once again there´s a lot of explaining to do. – He added
The avengers listened, asked and listened some more until they were satisfied by Loki´s and Thor account of everything that had happened so far.
At some point they entered a scar contest after seeing some of Loki´s scars from his imprisonment from Thanos.
By the morning they were peacefully having breakfast having put down the weapons a long time ago.
-So you’ve been Russian for three years? – Natasha asked as she took a spoonful of cereal
-Two and a half to be exact-Loki answered her –But I think myself more like Siberian.-
-You liked the motherland? – She enquired him again.
-Yes, although I mainly stayed in Mytaah we travelled once to Moscow, I was impressed by the Kremlin the architecture was majestic. And Russian people as well as Siberians are warm proud people, I remember them fondly- he replied
-I think I´m starting to like you-Natasha said half seriously half joking
-I will grow on all of you – Loki joked although he really meant it.
He had decided to become an avenger to protect Midgard and his inhabitants. He felt a debt of gratitude and even if he wouldn´t admit it too often, he had become very fond of humans.

Loki had finally ended all his explanations, everyone was fascinated by his stories, and Misha and Anya were frantic about his armour and kept trying toput his helmet on although it was too big for them.
-I´d like to thank you for all you have done for my brother-Thor said to them.
-There´s no need, Vanyusha I mean Loki is like one of the family for us. We are glad he crossed our path-Sergey replied.
-And we owe him our gratitude as well-Irina replied. Loki blush he knew she meant he´d saved Anya´s life.
-As well as 30 miners also-Sergey added
Loki felt he couldn’t blush any more if he tried.
-Will you return to Asgard with me brother?-Thor suddenly asked –Mother and Father will be eager to see you and hear your stories.-
-I …-Loki stammered being taken by surprise by Thor´s question, he didn´t wanted to leave but he also wanted to go home.
Thankfully Irina knew how he felt and reading his expression told him –You should go, you´ll make your parents happy and you can always come back to visit us any time you want- she told him as she stared at his eyes with a smile.
Loki nodded- I will brother, could you give me a moment? I´ll join you in a minute- he added.
Thor nodded in response as he left the house having said his farewells to all.
-I can´t thank you enough- Loki told them- You helped me in more ways than you can imagine, and I´ll be forever grateful I met you all- tears threatening to pour out.
-Come on, you’ll make all of us cry- Sergey answered tears on his eyes also.
-You´ll come back?-Anya asked him with a worried look
-Of course-he replied as he hugged her- I´ll come back as often as I can.
-Ok-she said with a smile
Misha signaled him “We love you, Don´t forget us” Loki´s tears finally poured out as he hugged Misha then signaled him back “Never, I love you all too”.
Irina was already crying when she hugged him –Take care of yourself, don´t be a stranger and visit us often-
He nodded as he used his magic to materialize a small green ring –I will – he answered as he gave the ring to her- In case you ever need me put the ring on and call for me, I´ll get here as soon as I can- he told her as he kissed her forehead .
-I´ll treasure it always brathiska- she answered him
Alexey was the next to give him a hug –I´ll miss you, you been like a brother to me- he told him.
-I feel the same way- Loki answered as they embraced.
The last one was Sergey- You made us all cry- he said to him.
-I´m sorry- Loki answered
-Don´t be- Sergey replied –Crying is good for the soul sometimes. We will all miss you but we know you have to follow your own path. I think great things expect you. Go and make us proud. – He ended giving him a hug.
-Thank you, I´ll try to make you all proud- he said to them, with that he left the house.
-Are you ok brother?-Thor asked as he saw his brother wipe out his tears.
-Yes, It´s just that I´ll miss them …-
-You don´t have to do it if you don´t want to, you know?-
-Yes, I know. But I want to go I long to see our parents-
-Then off we go. Heimdall, we are ready!-
A sudden ray of light appeared taking them to Asgard.
As they arrived Frigga thrown herself to Loki´s arms and hugged and kissed him as she cried and told him –I´m sorry. I won´t let you go again. I´m so sorry. I´ve missed you so much. I´m sorry-
Loki´s heart warm up at her welcome. He was glad to see her –Mother, don´t. I´m ok. I understand now. You did the best that you could- the laughed- Mom, please stop it, you´re smothering me.-
She placed a few more kisses and hugs before finally letting him go.
As she loosened her hold on him Loki looked at Odin who was standing beside them –Father- he said feeling a bit nervous. Then to his surprise his father hugged him, he couldn´t recall when did he last did it, probably when he was a child.
-I´m proud of you – he heard Odin´s voice- You´ve come a long way my son. I regret It had to be so hard on you.-
-Thank you father-Loki replied he´d never heard those words before from his father –I do understand I had a lot to learn-
Odin loosened his embrace as he held his son by his shoulders he looked into his eyes and told him –You really have matured during this trialing time. I know I never said it to you before, but I´m proud to call you my son-
Loki´s eyes watered as he swiftly returned his father´s embrace.
It was Odin´s turn to feel surprised. He felt at lost for a second then hold his child and told him –Let´s go to the palace, we have much to celebrate, and you´ll have many stories to tell.-
-I certainly do Father-Loki said smiling.

Two and a half years had gone by since Loki had been banished, it seemed like a lifetime even to him.
He´d come at peace with himself, he was happy, though he missed his family he´d come to the realization that he idealized his parents and brother, and that caused ill feelings in him, envy for one side and resentment on the other. No matter how powerful or wise his parents were they could still be wrong and more than reluctant to accept it, this knowledge made him better about himself.
–We all make mistakes – he thought to himself- after all we are only human … well kind of.-
Several talks with Irina about comparing siblings lead him to the conclusion that it was absolutely preposterous even twins could be totally different and their difference in abilities didn´t meant that one was better than the other, but just plainly different.
-Every person is unique and special – she one said to him –Imagine if we all thought, looked and acted alike, it would be very boring. Diversity is a blessing, it allow us to appreciate others for what they are-
He didn’t quiet agreed on the appreciation part but he could see her point.
As he was working in the stables lost in his thoughts he heard an explosion, it had to be the coal mine.
Loki went outside and found Sergey and Alexey looking in the same direction that he was, towards the coal mine.
It wasn´t long before the phone rang, there had been a gas explosion in the mine, over 30 miners had been trapped in the caving that followed the explosion; they needed every men available to help with the rescue efforts.
Luckily it was summer the rescue efforts wouldn´t be hampered by the weather conditions but still time was of the essence, as they said their goodbyes to Irina and the children the tree of them got into the Alexey truck and drove over the mine.
As they arrived they saw some of the miners being helped out, some of them were fortunate enough to be able to walk out, the ones that hadn´t been that lucky were carried out on stretches.
Volunteers had already started to arrive although more were expected to join within the hour. They reported in an were assigned to help with the tunnel clearing efforts as soon as they could confirm there were no more gas leaks.
Meanwhile in Asgard, Heimdall already alerted Odin of the situation as they would have to move in quickly in case it was needed.Every time a situation that may lead to the opportunity of Loki´s return presented itself they would set their plan in motion. The amulet had been finished just months before, it had the most powerful protective magic embedded in it designed especially for the only porpoise of cloaking his owner from Thanos, though it wouldn´t be effective unless they could get Loki to wear it just before he gained his powers back.
Thor had been in Asgard since the moment the amulet had been completed worried he couldn´t get back in time should he been in Midgard.
As Loki entered the mine shaft commotion arose realizing that the Bifrost wouldn´t get them as near as they would need in time.
-Thor, go get the Teseract! – Odin voiced as Thor rushed to the relics vault.
It was dark in the mine, most of the lights were off, and the remaining ones shed barely enough light to see. Loki was glad that the helmets they wore had lamps integrated in them, as they made their way through the chaos the explosion has left behind easier.
As they reached the caving site they joined another group of volunteers already working to get the rubble out so they could get to the trapped miners.
It was hard work, the air felt stuffy and warm; efforts were directed to open a small tunnel without provoking another cave in. As the work progressed they were able to communicate with the trapped miners.
-Are you ok? – A rather big man probably a miner by the looks of him asked the trapped men.
-Yes, we are. No serious injury mainly cuts and bruises but we have another problem. The explosion caused the floor on this level to cave in, we are about more thanhalf level bellow you, we´ll need ropes to climb out and water is coming in- was the reply.
-Water?-
-Yes, we´re flooding quite quickly, it´s already at chest level and keeps rising up, you´ll need to hurry.-
Efforts were redoubled to get them out as they all knew they had time against them.
A cry of relief was heard as they managed to get free a little opening. They started working on it to widen it, soon the opening grew larger but none of them could fit in yet, well one of them could Loki was thin enough to get in and start setting the ropes to get the miners out before they drown while the rescuers kept enlarging the opening.
-I can get though-Loki said to the leader of the rescue party realizing they were running short on time.
-Are you sure? You know what to do? – He replied
-Yes, I´m sure. I think so they don´t have time to wait until the opening is larger to get in someone with more experience, you can tell me what to do-
-Ok- the man replied
-Give him a harness, you’ll have to climb down to where they are and help them up, we´ll get the opening clear for you-
-Vanyusha-Sergey approached him – You sure of this?-
-I am- he replied with a smile- Don´t worry I´ll be right back-
The opening was a bit tight even for him but he managed to get through within a minute he had started to climb down. He shivered as he reached the water level; it was cold, though not as cold as he knew it could get on winter season. The miners cheered as they saw him.
-There´s no time to waste, you´ll have to start climbing up one by one, I´ll help you- he told them swiftly as the water started reaching his shoulders.
The miners agreed as they started to climb up giving each other just enough space to avoid pulling each other down in case one of them slip.
It was hard as they had been in the cold water for quite a while by now, but they had renewed hope to get out of there alive.
Meanwhile the rescue party had made up the opening big enough for the miners to get through. As the miners started to get out they celebrated their safe return.
Soon the last miner was at the rope as water reached Loki’s mouth and he started to climb back up, he could hear the celebration shouts as the last miner get through then he heard rubble dropping down.
-Vanyusha- he could hear both Sergey and Alexey desperate cries as the rubble started to fall around him and causing him to fall into the water again. He couldn´t stand up anymore the water level was way over his head, as he started swimming towards the rope more rubble fell down, one of them hitting him unconscious. He drifted under the water.
The rescuers had to drag Alexey and Sergey from the opening as more rubble came down closing it again.
At the commotion that the new cave in had caused added a flash of light that suddenly appeared at the tunnel. A man wearing an armour and a red cape appeared – Where is him? – He roared
Both miners and rescuers pointed to the place the opening had been.
-Get out!-Thor voiced over – I´ll get him out but you should leave- he told them as he walked towards the opening.
Though still very surprised they all obeyed him and started to get out as fast as they could.
Thor waited just enough for them to get to a safe distance before starting to pound the rocks that closed the opening with his hammer, soon he was swimming looking for his brother, as he closed in on him he tied the amulet in one of Loki´s wrists.
Barely a second later he did it a green light wrapped Loki´s body, his powers were returning to him, as his armour appeared Loki opened his eyes and an energy pulse surrounded him creating a bubble around them.
As they climbed out of the water Loki couldn´t hide his surprise – Brother?!-
-Yes Loki, it is me. You have proven yourself worthy as we knew you would.-
-But how?-Loki couldn´t quite believe it.
-Self-sacrifice-Thor answered him-Father one told me that a worthy leader is selfless, thinking about the were fell of his people before considering his own needs.-
Loki blush he didn´t even though about himself when he volunteered to get into the opening, he just knew the miners needed him and that was enough reason to go.
-Are the miners ok? He asked Thor
-Yes, they got out thanks to you- Thor answered with a smile and the hugged his younger brother.
-I´m proud of calling you my brother, Loki-
-Thank you Thor – Loki replied- But you have to let go you´re squeezing me too tight-
-I´m sorry, I missed you-Thor answered as he let him go.
-I missed you too, you big oaf-Loki answered with a smile as he gave Thor a hug.-Let´s get out of here. They´ll be worried-
-Certainly brother, let´s leave-Thor replied.
-Wait! –Loki suddenly remembered – What of Thanos? Now that I´m a mage again he´ll know I´m alive- fear reflected in his voice.
-No brother, fear no more. He won´t be able to sense you as long as you wear this – he said to him as he pointed to the amulet that was still attached to Loki´s wrist.
-What´s that? Loki asked deeply intrigued.
-It´s a protective amulet that was crafted for you with the only purpose of cloaking you from Thanos view, the most powerful mages from all the Kingdoms helped in its making.-
-Wow! – Loki replied
-What? – Thor frowned
-Oh, it´s just a midgardian expression. It means I´m surprised. I can sense very powerful magic in it, it couldn’t had been easy to craft.-Loki admitted
-No, remind me of telling you later all the ingredients we had to gather, you won´t believe some of them.-
-All right- Loki smiled grateful he wouldn´t have to worry about Thanos unless he ran directly into him, which was something he planned on never happening.
As they got out they realized everyone was expecting them, shouts of joy were heard as they saw both men.
-Vanyusha, you´re alive-Sergey and Alexey had run to embrace him, they thought he was going to die and were extremely relief to see him walk out of the mine.
-Although you´ll have to explain these-Alexey pointed to his horned helmet.
-I will. I promise –Loki replied glad they all were all right.
-Vanyusha?-Thor gave him an enquiry look.
-I´ll explain that later also- he laughed he had too much explaining to do.

Irina visited Loki in the hospital to keep him company. She would arrive after sending her children to school and depart before they arrived home. This time she took the family photo album for Loki to see as he would be terribly bored.

-Look, here´s Alexey when he was young, and that´s Sergey and his wife Catherina, she died sometime after we got married – she explained to Loki with as much detail as possible where the photos had been taken and who was in them – here´s one of the wedding and this one of me while pregnant with Anya- suddenly Loki noticed and asked her – Why isn´t one of you being pregnant with Misha?- it seemed awful curious that there weren´t any of her being pregnant, or from the birth the earliest photos of Misha portrait him roughly as a three month old baby.

-That´s because he´s adopted- she replied.

Loki looked at her, he couldn´t believe what she had just said then she elaborated – We had tried having a child for a long time but we remained childless so Alexey and I decided to adopt Misha, that´s the photo of the day the adopting agency gave him to us, it was the happiest day of my life- she said as she remembered and her eyes sparked with the joy she felt in that instant – he was a beautiful baby.

-But if you couldn´t have children …-Irina interrupted him –Anya – she smiled – She´s our miracle baby, it just happened, I never thought it would, she gave us quite a scare though, we thought I was getting terribly ill cause we couldn´t believe that I was pregnant. The day the doctor told us I felt I couldn’t be happier.

Loki looked down as he remembered how things were between his brother and parents when he was young, he´d always felt out of place and wondered if Misha would ever feel like that. Without raising his eyes he asked Irina – Does he know?-

-Yes – Irina replied- He’s very smart he figured it out as you did even before Anya was born. I´ve got to confess I´m glad he did, we always debated about telling him and the right time to do it … you never seem to find it. I was scared about his reaction when we finally decided to tell him, but when he discovered and asked me he just said “Thank you mommy, I´m glad to be your son.” She said tears peeking at her eyes.

Loki felt his heart ache as he found himself homesick having heard Irina´s story.

Irina noticed his reaction then asked him a bit concerned –Vanyusha, are you ok?-

-I … – Loki started – I just … – he couldn´t finish his sentence as tears flooded his eyes.

Irina hold him –You do remember your family, don’t you?-

-Yes – Loki confessed as he let out a sob.

-What´s wrong honey? – Irina asked, she was still holding him.

-I … I … – Loki couldn´t find the right words.
Irina reassured him. -It´s ok, if you don’t want to talk about it, I understand, we´ll talk when you feel ready-
Loki wanted to talk about it, he needed to get it out, to voice out the pain he felt, but he couldn´t order his ideas – I do want to, I just don´t know how- he wailed as more sobs came to him.
-It´s ok, take your time. I´m here for you. – Irina said as she stroked his hair.
Irina reminded him so much to Frigga in that instant, it undone him – I was adopted too, I didn’t knew, when I discovered I was so angry – he hold Irina tight as his tears flowed freely.
-I always felt as I didn´t belonged, at that moment I knew why, it made me so furious, I did very foolish things that I now regret.
I was so angry, that they had lied to me all my life, they didn´t needed to, if they had trusted me I would´ve understood, why didn´t they? – He had to stop as his crying got louder.
-I´m sure they felt scared, I know I was. They didn’t wanted to hurt you, I´m sure they love you very dearly and that they would´ve given anything to avoid hurting you. Parent’s aren´t perfect, we wished to be, we wished we were never wrong and cause our children pain but even the most loving parents screw it from time to time. We can only hope to do our best and pray it will be enough, and hope you´ll find in your heart enough love to forgive us when we fail.
Let it out brathiska*, let the sadness in your heart out, you´ll feel better-
She held him until his sobs grew quieter then in a very motherly fashion wiped his tears with her hands – Feeling better?-
Loki nodded with his head still sniffling.
-Do you want us to look for your parents? – she asked staring at her eyes.
-No- Loki said as he moved his head in a negative movement – I can´t go back, I did too many bad things, they won´t … I´m not ready – he finished.
-It´s ok, you can stay with us until you´re ready no matter how long it takes – then added having read Loki´s eyes – and I´m sure they will take you back when you decide to return to them, You are a good man Vanyusha, your parents would be proud of you if they could see you – she finished embracing him again.
-Thank you – Loki meant it with all his heart.
*Little brother in Russian

-How´s my son today Heimdall? – Odin asked as he arrived to the observatory.
-If you could see him Odin Al Father you would be proud of him- Heimdall answered with a smile.
-Is good to hear it, has his mother been here already?-
-I´ve had to ask the queen to stop coming so much, I finally convinced her that people would start noticing if she kept it up and only my promise to her to report to daily is keeping her in the palace-
-I can imagine, it has been hard to let him go, but I am confident it will work for the better-Odin replied.
-Can you tell Thor I need him to return to Asgard?-
– You finally found a dwarf that will craft the amulet?-
– Yes, I have but …-
Heimdall interrupted – He´s asking a prince ransom …-
-More like a King’s one. And he even gave me a list of magical ingredients to procure as it wasn´t enough- Odin told him
-Well, he´s going to have to embed it with very powerful magic-
-Yes, also I need to send messengers to all the Realms; we need all of them to send us their best mage to help with the spells-
-Do you think they´ll agree? – Heimdall asked him
-I´ll have to make sure they do, we can´t afford mistakes.-
-I understand my King, I´ll make the arrangements-
-Thank you Heimdall- with that Odin left Asgard may be at peace but he wasn´t idle, much had to be done if Loki would be brought back safely one day.

Morning had already arrived when Loki was awoken by childish voices, his head hurt as well as his body, specially his hands and face which had been more exposed to the freezing cold. He tried to get up but his strength failed him as he submitted to unconsciousness.

The next time he woke up he noticed he wasn’t in the stables anymore; but in a bed, his hands and head bandaged and his clothes changed for warmer ones. He could hear voices at the distance, but the weariness won again as he relaxed into sleep once more.

The third time he woke up he felt a pair of curious eyes upon him, a boy and a girl they should be around ten and five for what he could tell and they watched him intensively from the edge of the bed.

-Hi- the small girl said to him a wide smile at her face.

-Umm, hi?- he answered a bit confused

Then the girl shouted. -Mat´, awake!-

A middle age woman approached, she´d have to be their mother, they shared the same light brow hair, although the boys were a bit darker.

-How are you feeling? You had us worried- she asked him

-Better, thanks- Loki answered feeling rather awkward.

-What´s your name? What happened? Were you in an accident?-she poured the questions as she looked at him.

Loki´s heart started beating faster, saying the truth wouldn´t be a very good idea besides he didn´t wanted to scare them so he tried to figure out what to do.

-I .. – he stammered – I … don´t know. Where am I?-

The woman sighed- Maybe you hit your head too hard. Don´t worry I´m sure it will all come back to you. You are in our farm, my name is Irina and these are Misha and Anya-

As she finished her sentence the door opened and two men still covered in snow came in.

-Dedushka- Anya yelled hugging the older man, then turning to the younger as she yelled –Otets- and offered her arms for him to pull her up in an embrace. Father and grandfather for sure Loki thought.

-Well, see who´s finally awake- the older man stated- how are you feeling?-

-Um, better-Loki said still at loss at words- but a bit confused- he added.

-He doesn´t remember his name or what happened to him-Irina explained.

-That´s too bad- the younger man said-It will come back, you hit your head pretty hard. You were lucky we found you-

Misha pulled his father´s coat as he pointed at himself and did some sort of hand signals.
-Ok- his father laughed- Misha found you-

My name is Alexey and he´s my father Sergey, I suppose you already met Irina, Anya and Misha-

-Yes-Loki answered. It would be better to keep it to small phrases until he had decided what to do.
The family threat him as he was just another member, he just couldn´t figure it out, why would they treat him so kindly when they didn´t knew anything about him. They didn´t had much but they were happy to share what little they had with him.

As his strength began to return he felt a notch in his stomach, would they ask him to leave?
Loki asked Sergey if he could help in the farm to repay for their kindness, Sergey was delighted to teach Loki everything he knew about Yakut horses and the farm.

Alexander asked him a few days later if he wanted to stay until winter season was out-It would be a lot easier to look for your family in summer weather, and I´ll be happy to have another pair of hands helping at the farm.-Loki was relief, yes, he would stay.

Loki always had loved horses so it didn´t came much as a surprise to him when he turned out very good at taking care of them.

Though Yakut horses’ weren´t tamed horses, more like semi wild, even if they lived in the stables they were more than able of surviving the cold Siberian winter without human help.

One day as they were eating Alexey asked him – Do you remember if you ever had horse before?-

-We are eating horse?-Loki answered incredulous-

-Yes Sergey answered and started to explain as he noticed the discomfort on Loki´s face- To eat horse-meat is the equivalent of integrating a part of his Spirit, of his soul, in our body, to make him live again. For the Sakha, there are a predetermined number of souls in the hereafter. Each creature, human or animal, who dies re-joins this “bank” of souls. To delay departure towards the Other World is to delay the coming of a Spirit, a soul, into this world.-

-Mm- replied Loki as he took another bite – I´ve no idea if I tasted it before, but it´s quite good. Irina is an excellent cook-

-Thank you Vanyusha- Irina replied. Sergey had started to name him Vanyusha, as they couldn´t keep calling him “hey you” forever the name stick.

It felt so weird, Loki felt comfortable there, humans are indeed intriguing, he thought to himself. No wonder Thor liked them so much, he hadn’t though about his family for a while and the though surprised him. Would they be ok? Would his mother be all over Heimdall to keep an eye on him? He laughed at the though. He hadn´t even realised he hasn´t even missed his magic, not that he didn´t on the first days of his arrival, specially his ability to heal himself, but now he had learned to enjoy the satisfaction of a good days work as Sergey called them.

Maybe it was the fact that because of the weather conditions preventing them from being outside to much that the family was too close, he´d never seen or experienced anything like that before.

Sergey treated him as an older grandson and called him to join them every time he would start telling his grandchildren stories about Yakut horses and shamans that were both entertainment and mesmerizing.

Alexey and Irina treated him like a younger sibling, no matter he was centuries older than them he looked younger than both of them.

Anya and Misha were overly enthusiastic to have him as a playmate on their little adventures around the house which ended mostly with lots of laughter’s and giggles from all of them.

Loki surprised himself as he was captivated by Anya´s new favorite movie “Frozen” which she played over and over again until almost everyone knew most of the characters lines. He felt a special connection to Elsa´s character being an outcast because of her magic, and it made him feel hopeful as everyone ended loving her and her magic.

He even caught himself singing “Let it go” more times than he was willing to admit –A kingdom of isolation and it looks like I’m the queen. … Couldn’t keep it in, Heaven knows I tried. Don’t let them in, don’t let them see. Be the good girl you always have to be. Conceal, don’t feel, don’t let them know. Well, now they know! – He would hum the chorus –Let it go, let it go!
Can’t hold it back any more. Let it go, let it go! – He specially loved the part –And the fears that once controlled me, can’t get to me at all It’s time to see what I can do, to test the limits and break through. No right, no wrong, no rules for me. I’m free! – It was certainly his favorite –You’ll never see me cry. Here I’ll stand, and here I’ll stay. Let the storm rage on…Let it go, let it go. And I’ll rise like the break of dawn. Let it go, let it go…

-Maybe there´s hope for me – he though at some point and then dismissed it -No Loki, you’re being silly, it´s only a movie, that kind of thing doesn´t happen in the real world.-

-Anya! – Irina called- Where are you? – She started to get nervous as she couldn´t find her daughter.

-What´s wrong?-Loki asked her.

-I can´t find Anya anywhere in the house – she answered

-She´s probably playing hide and seek – Loki said – I´ll help you find her.

-They started looking everywhere bur Anya wasn´t anywhere around, then Irina noticed –Her snow boots are gone – worry crept all over her face.

-I´ll go find her – Loki reassured her as he put his own snow boots and coat –Maybe she´s making a snowman, Frozen had given her a lot of ideas about snow and fun- which he thought weren’t that good ideas considering the Siberian weather.

-Go ahead-Irina told him- I´ll get Alexei and Sergey to help us find her-then she told Misha – Stay here in case she comes back- the boy nodded.

Loki picked up her tracks and found her over the frozen lake a few meters from the edge, she was scared the ice had been too thin and started cracking under her feet so she dared not to move.

-Vanyusha! – She cried as she saw him –Help me! – Tears rolled under her cheeks.

-Don´t move Anya, you´ll be all right, I´ll get you out …-Loki´s weight had been too much for the ice, as he felt under the freezing cold water he couldn’t breathe, he hardly could move, but he had to, he needed to, he´d promise Anya she would be fine, he couldn’t break that promise. He struggled to get to the surface, pain creeping all over his body, the cold air hurt even more than the cold water. Anya looked at him even more scared that before – Vanyusha! – She cried again.

-Don´t worry, I´m ok, we´ll be ok – he answered through trembling teeth as he climbed over the ice towards her.

As he got near her reach Anya hugged his wet head as she cried –I´m sorry, I´m, sorry, I´ll never do it again, I just wanted to skate in the ice as Elsa and Ana, I´m sorry-

-Don´t worry, it´s ok, shh, don´t cry Anya, I need you to calm down, I need your help-

Anya dried her tears with her glove as she nodded –Ok- she replied still sniffling.

Loki looked quickly at the ice around them, he was looking for a safer path to the shore, he had to hurry, he was starting to feel lightheaded, he guided both himself and Anya out of the ice and into the snow covered ground where they both hugged- You scared me –Loki said tears on his eyes – Please, don´t ever do something like that again-

-I won´t I promise – Anya replied as she started crying again.

All the commotion had guided the rest of the family to them, Irina hold Anya in a tight embrace as they both cried.

-We´ll better get both of you inside- Sergei stated and Loki wanted to, but his legs wouldn´t respond.

-Damn! You are soaking wet- Alexey stated as he pulled Loki´s arm over his shoulder.

He didn´t even remember when he lost consciousness but he woke up at the hospital with very familiar and concerned faces around him.

-You´re going to be all right, we had to bring you to the hospital so they could treat you from hypothermia, the doctor says you´ll be out of here in a couple of days- Sergey told him

He had an IV connected to his arm but he didn´t mind – Is Anya ok? – He asked

-Yes, she is, she´ll be grounded for months but she´s ok thanks to you Vanyusha-Irina kissed him on his forehead and hugged him tight.

He´d never felt such a warm feeling before, he was proud of himself and even more important his new found family was proud of him too.

As Anya and Misha went into the room Sergey told them –See, he´s all right. Siberians’ are much stronger than muscovite’s – he said as they all laughed

-I´m Siberian now? –Loki thought to himself

As they were leaving Loki asked Sergey- I´ve never asked before, but why did you call me Vanyusha?-

Sergei smiled as he explained –Vanyusha means God´s gift-

-I don´t think anyone had referred to me like that before –Loki said as blushing came upon his cheeks.

-That´s because they don´t know you –Sergey replied as his smile grow wider.

-Maybe I don’t know myself- Loki thought –Maybe I´ve just started to …-

It was midnight when they finally came for him, the best hour to avoid unwanted eyes. Thor, Odin and Frigga, they would not trust anyone else but Heimdall to know Loki was alive.

He had decided to accept his fate, though he was scared and nervous he did his best to hide it.

-Let´s go to the Observatory – Odin spoke first- We will have some privacy there-

Frigga´s held Loki´s hand as they silently walked into the Bifrost, not daring to look into her eyes he just gently squeezed her hand as she squeezed his in response.

What would his father had decided? He didn’t knew; but he would soon find out.

Thor looked at his brother both concerned and proud he had finally decided to yield to Odin´s judgment. Being human wasn´t easy and it would prove specially challenging for Loki.

As the family arrived to the Observatory Frigga let go of Loki´s hand as she took her place at Odin´s right side and Thor took his place at Odin´s left. Loki felt a shiver crept all over his body, all his instincts called him to run but he wouldn´t , he couldn´t, not anymore …

-Loki Odinson- Odin voiced – you have been found guilty of betrayal on Asgard with your actions you have brought shame on yourself and your family-

Loki bite his lower lip hard trying to refrain himself of talking, though he most wanted to protest Odin´s judgment.

-Though your last actions weren´t yours alone I have no other choice but to banish you I am stripping you of your powers until you prove yourself worthy of returning to us-

Loki´s resolve weakened as he protested – You mean to turn me into a mortal? That is a death sentence.How am I supposed to defend myself?-

Odin angrily answered him –Humans manage to live with their limitations and so will you. If Thanos is your concern dismiss it, he would be looking for a mage not a mortal.-

Loki couldn’t believe it, he was about to get cast out as Thor once was. Odin stripped him out of his medals and armour along with his magic.

For a moment Loki panicky hold his breath, he had feared and expected to turn to his jotun form, but he didn´t. He looked at his hands still easier pink then gave a questioning to Odin.

Odin noticed his son´s unspoken question and told him –You are Odin´s son, and as such you will remain. Asgard will welcome you with open arms when you have proved yourself pure of heart and honorable.- with that last phrase he pulled his own black fur cape and placed it on Loki´s shoulders.

-Like that´s going to happen – Loki thought – I might as well live forever though I will never be able to prove myself worthy-

-Goodbye mother – he said turning at Frigga and then stepped back into the portal that had just opened for him.

The portal let him a bit disoriented, when he finally started to focus his surroundings he was shocked –No .. no … please … not here – ice everywhere he could see – not Jotunheim-

As he stepped back he slipped into the ice and started to slide on the snow until his head hit a sign post –Welcome to Mytaah, Siberia – it read.

He laughed –Midgard, he sent me to Midgard- then he screamed to the skies –I thought you didn´t had a sense of humor!!- Then muffled his voice and added – But it’s a very wicked one.

Regaining his composure Loki realized he was freezing even with Odin´s fur cape, he would have to seek for refuge or he wouldn´t even survive one night as a human.

He tried to locate the nearest dwelling, but his eyes weren´t as sharp as they normally were. How do humans can live with such limited senses?

Luckily he stumbled onto a path that lead him into some stables, there were horses on them, short wooly sturdy horses. He barely managed to get inside before he collapsed over a pile of hey.

Loki was in his bed thinking about his next move, as he reflected on the past days.
After he had woken up he had an outburst at her mother that still made him guilty, but that didn’t made his words less true. He was broken, as much as from his captivity in Thanos hands as for the events that preceded his fall to the void. He felt lost, not even his mother presence could comfort him enough.

How could they love him after all that he did? He knew Thor wanted to speak with him, probably to make amends with him, but he just couldn´t, not right now, he loved his brother but he just couldn´t face him yet.

Even Odin had given him some slack, well … more than that, in one of the arguments with his mother he has discovered that he wasn´t dreaming when he saw Odin guarding his sleep. He was disgusted at himself, weary of being the source of all of their concerns.

-The void did not consumed me, nor this wound – he thought to himself touching the bandage that covered the scar in his chest- Why?-

He had learned that there weren´t any guards nor was he in a cell due to his now regretful confession about Thanos being the one that imprisoned him.A fake funeral had taken place a few days before to keep appearances. He was sure his father could not forgive him so easily, but he ignored Odin´s intentions about his errant son.

Would he try to leave? Where too? Wouldn’t it be best to accept Odin judgment? If he couldn´t regain his honor in death, could he do it by accepting his fate? To stop running didn’t sounded do bad. “Maybe I will find some peace by graciously accepting my punishment”. Because Odin would punish him, no matter his last actions were an effort at redeeming himself he was about too short at fixing all the damage he had caused.

He sigh as he closed his eyes –I´ve got nowhere to run, no plan, I´m so sick of fighting I just hope I can endure what´s coming.

With that last thought he let sleep numb his senses as he abandoned himself to restless dreams.