Category: Fanfiction (Page 15 of 16)

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.

-Banish him!!- Frigga shouts at Odin. –How can you even propose that!?-She´s furious at Odin for even mentioning.
-It is for the best, it will keep him safe as well as give him a chance to redeem himself. –Odin replies
-Safe …! Without his powers? As a mortal? How is that safe?-
-Thanos will not be able to find him as a mortal in case he suspects the funeral was fake-
-No, no I refuse. We almost lost him and now you want to take him away. No! Why don´t you just cut my heart out and be done with it?- she snarls at him.
-Frigga come down – Odin tries to hold her hand but she walks away.
I know you don´t like my solution, but it is the best we can do for the moment.-
-He will be lost, you want to send him away on his current state of mind. We might lose him forever.-Frigga flashback to the moment Loki had finally woke up the pain in his voice as he demanded –Why didn´t you just let me die? I could have regained my honor back and stop the pain. I am broken mother, can´t you see?-
-I know he is hurt but you off all people should have a little faith in him. It may take him a decade or two-Frigga rolls her eyes at him- but he will prove himself worthy. This is how all of this started, why not give him the chance?-
-I am afraid-Frigga replies her anger gone.
-I know, but the mending Loki´s soul needs he will not find here, he is too stubborn and proud, no matter his last actions I can’t just forgive him. He relies too much on his magic to solve his life´s problems; it will be good for him to rely on himself alone. Besides wasn´tyou that told me humans were a good influence on our son, if Thor learned from them so could Loki. He will grow restless in Asgard and relapse on his old ways, you know it – Odin calmly states
-All right, I see no other way either, but that does not mean I like it-with that she finally accepts Odin´s hand.
-Think it this way- he adds-at least both of our sons will be on the same planet, Heimdall will keep an eye on them, stop worrying-
-All right- she sighs – I will try not to, have you talked to Thor?
-No-Odin replies
-I think he will be pleased with your answer-Frigga tells Odin
-I think so too, is Loki still refusing to see him?
-Yes he does. He can´t deal with all that has happened between them. You may be right Loki´s mind will not heal here. There are too many memories-
-Both of them will be all right, stop worrying –Odin holds her hands to reassure her-When does Sygn expects to discharge Loki from her care?-
-Tomorrow- she answers
-We´ll have to send him to Earth immediately, the main problem is to where. He made himself to recognizable … although I´ve been thinking of a particular location that could work.-
-Where? – Frigga asks
-I will tell you when the time comes, though I think Loki will appreciate the irony-
-What are you thinking?-Frigga asks both intrigued and concerned.
-He has told me over and over I have no sense of humor, I been thinking I should prove him wrong for starters.
-You are intriguing me-Frigga replies
-Don not worry he will be fine, I´d better go and talk to Thor- he states as he leaves.
-I still do not understand why you have forbid me to search for Loki while in Midgard Father-Thor enquires Odin-He won´t see me and I wished I could talk to him.-
-Thor- Odin answers him – Loki has always lived under both our shadows, he has always felt like second best, all of what has happened is mainly because of that. Your brother needs to find himself, to acknowledge the kind of man he wants to be and he cannot do it if we do not stay away from and let him face this challenge alone.-
-All right Father, I will obey your orders, I just hope I get the chance to make peace with him-
-You will son, do not worry; you sound like your mother, your brother is to be vanished not obliterated. Be patient. Are you ready to leave?-
-Yes Father. I wanted to thank you and to reassure you I will fulfill my promise to come back should Asgard or the Nine Realms need me to.-
-I know you will son, let’s go to your mother. She will be anxious both of her sons leaving tomorrow-

The universe is safe; Thor has vanquished Malekith and returns to Asgard with the Aether.

-You once said there would never be a wiser King than me. You were wrong. The alignment has brought all the realms together. Every one of them saw you offer your life to save them. What can Asgard offer its new King in return?-Odin asks Thor.

– My life. Father, I cannot be King of Asgard. I will protect Asgard and all the realms with my last and every breath, but I cannot do so from that chair. Loki for all his grave imbalance understood rule as I know I never will. The brutality, the sacrifice… It changes you. I’d rather be a good man than a great King.-
– Is this my son I hear? Or the woman he loves?-
– When you speak, do I never hear Mother’s voice?-
Odin sighs and casts his eyes downwards.
– This is not for Jane, Father. She does not know what I came here to say. Now forbid me to see her or say she can rule at my side, it changes nothing.-
Odin sinks wearily to the Throne as he says -One son who wanted the Throne too much, another who will not take it. Is this my legacy?-
– Loki died with honor. I shall try to live the same. Is that not legacy enough?
Odin sighs and answers him – I will consider your request Thor, but for the moment you should go to your mother´s side. She needs you.-
Thor nods as he departures to the healer’s room.
-Mother, I´ve returned- he tells her, his heart warms up at her smile.
-Thor, my son come with me We have got much to talk about- she tell shim as she orders everyone in the room to leave.
-I am sorry mother, Loki saved me but I could save him in return- he states as he looks down, his heart heavily burdened.
-Shh, it is all right- she tries to calm him – Please calm down, we have not lost your brother, at least not yet- she tells him as she places a finger over her mouth cautioning silence from him. As the wall from the room shimmers Thor can see a second bed in the room, Loki, his brother is in it.
-But how can this be? I saw him die- he asks her in earnest.
-We all thought he was death, even the guards and we need to keep them all thinking that he is.-
-But why?-
-To protect him- her mother answers
-When Loki though he was dying he finally told me who tortured him, though he made me promise to do nothing about it … it was Thanos …-
-The mad Titan! – Frigga states with a surprised look, then she sighs – We have only bought some time then. Loki was wise to make you promise to do nothing. Asgard is no match to Thanos a war with him would bring utter destruction to all the realms.-
Thor nods in agreement, he really hates the idea of doing nothing, but he knows his mother is right. They shouldn´t be concerned on waving a war against Thanos, but to keep Loki concealed from him.
-Does father knows? – Thor asks her.
-Yes, he does. – Frigga answers him.
-Has he forgiven Loki? Thor asks in hope
-No he has not – She refuses nodding her head – But almost losing a son, even one as mischievous as Loki tends to put things under a new perspective. It reminded him of how much he loved him, though he will not forgive him so easily, he still wants to keep him safe.-
-But something else is in your mind son, what is wrong?-
-I do not want the throne mother, I do not want it to change me, I do not know how father does it-
-Is it because of Jane?-
-No mother, I have already told father that even if he allowed her to came to Asgard and made her immortal I still wouldn´t want the throne.-
-Oh Thor!, I wished that who you really are weren´t such a burden for both of you – she answers him while glancing both at him and Loki- I will talk to your father, but I will make no promises.-
-Thank you mother-Thor heart fully replies and then notices her worrying look when she turns her head towards Loki´s bed.
-He is badly hurt, isn´t he?-
-Yes- she replies as she adds –Sygn is not very optimistic about him. I think she doesn´t expect him to get through the night. I hope your brother will prove her wrong-
-Then I will stay here with you and guard over him –
-No Thor, you have been in battle also, you need to rest. After saving the universe you deserve a night off. Besides if I need you I will send for you-
-All right mother, I will rest- he gets up and kisses her forehead before leaving, then changes his mind and approaches Loki´s bed as he gently leans over he whispers to him – Don not give up brother, things would be very boring without you- then he leaves to his chambers. His mother is right, he´s too exhausted, everything can wait until morning.
Odin sits at his throne meditating his sons’ situations, one of them wants the throne too much, and the other one does not. Then he decides to go to the healers rooms, Frigga always knows how to put things on perspective, he would appreciate her advice.
Odin arrives at Frigga´s room and asks her –Feeling better?-
-Yes I am. Sygn tells me I will be all right to leave within a week-
-And Loki?-
-She refuses to give me any prognosis until morning. Until now there has been no changes, he hasn´t woke up-
-Did you talk to Thor? – Odin enquires her
-Yes I did, he doesn´t want the Throne.-
-He thinks he actually has a choice about it, and all that´s stopping him is me.-
-Well, you could stay at the Throne for a couple of centuries more.-she answers him half joking
-I certainly can, but you know we are not eternal, when I am gone he will have to step up as I once did.-
-I know, but we could let him grow wiser in the meanwhile, human lifespan is but a heart beep compared to ours, you could let him stay with them for the moment, they have proved to be a good influence on him, he will learn to understand your position.-
-It could be a good idea, I will consider it- Odin answers her
-There is something else I need to talk to you about, Loki confessed Thor who was behind the chitauri invasion … Thanos –
-I was afraid of that – Odin sighs
-You suspected?-Frigga asks him.
-Well, there aren´t that many powerful beings that could both submit Loki and command that kind of army, but from all of them Thanos is the worst. No wonder he was so reluctant to confess, so why did he?-
-He thought he was dying, he tried to protect Thor by making him promise he wouldn´t look any further into the matter nor try anything against Thanos.-
-That was a wise move, Thor wouldn´t have stopped trying to find out. We bought ourselves more time, but we need to prepare a plan in case he …Odin stops before finishing his phrase.
-He survives- Frigga finished the sentence for him.
Odin nods as he closes his eye. Then looks up to her and says- We will figure something out. Right now you need to rest. I will keep an eye on Loki.-
-Are you sure?-Frigga asks.
-It wouldn’t be the first time I have watched over his sleep, don´t you remember?-
-How could I forget? It was the first time I really felt we could lose him-
Odin laughs at the memory – I have never seen you as angry at Thor as you were that day-
-Well, why shouldn´t I? He let his baby brother climb a two story high tree just because his friends taunted him into doing it-
-How old do you think Loki was?-
-No more than six … no more than six and he had a broken arm, leg and a concussion. Any mother´s nightmare.I ca not still understand how he managed to climb so high without any of us noticing-
-I remember the look on the guards face that went to inform he, you would have though he just committed murder “Odin All Father, there has been an accident, your son Loki is in the healing rooms unconscious after falling from a tree” I guess he thought I would kill him for bringing such news.-
-I don´t remember seeing him as still and quiet as he did then, until now, do you think ..-Frigga voice broke into a sob.
Odin comforts her – He will be all right, he is a survivor, he has always beaten all odds and stayed alive.-
Frigga nods her head as she wipes out the tears – You are right. I´d better get some rest I don´t want him to get out of the healers rooms before me.-
Odin smiles and kisses her, then he walks over to his son’s bedside still remembering the first time he guarded his sleep, after the accident Loki had nightmares for moths but it didn´t stopped him from asking not to be treated like a baby any more, he wanted to be treated like Thor. If his brother was going to be punished he wanted the same treatment. It took all of Frigga´s convincing for him to accept that a broken arm and leg that would confine him to his bed for over a month was punishment enough.
-The little rascal! – Odin laugh in his mind – Mm that gives me an idea …-but his train of thought was interrupted by Loki´s sleep growing restless.
-No … no…-Loki started to mumble as he started shifting on his bed.
-Shh, you are ok, you are safe – Odin wasn’t sure he could hear him but the only thing he could do was trying to comfort him.
-No .. Please … no more, don´t hurt me – Odin heart shrank at the words, he is having a nightmare or maybe remembering one.
-Shh, Loki, it is ok –Odin reassured him as he gently stroked his son´s hair, he was feverish, he was about to get Sygn when Loki screamed as he sat up, eyes flooded with panic and tears, shaking as well from fear as from the fever.
-I´m sorry – he cried as he grabbed his father´s arm- I didn´t wanted to … they hurt me … over and over … I should´ve resisted … I – as sudden as he had woken up he collapsed onto the bed.
Loki´s scream had awoken his mother, who sat at her bed a hand over her mouth trying to fight the tears that flooded her, her heart broken after what she had heard.
The scream also alerted Sygn who entered the room and went directly to Loki´s bed- What happened? – She asked as she started checking on Loki.
-He was having a nightmare –Odin replies quite shaken himself at his son´s outburst. – Is he all right Sygn?
-Yes, he is all right. Normally the fever wouldn´t be a good sign, but in his case it means his body hasn´t given up, he is still fighting. It may take a while but I think he is going to make it after all.-
Both Odin and Frigga let out a simultaneous relief sigh.
-I´m going to prepare some medicine to lower his fever, I will be right back, if he wakes up again call me-
-Well, certainly do – Odin answers then walks to his wife bedroom and holds her.
-Are you all right?- he asks to a still shaken Frigga.
-He was so scared … do you think he knew where he was?-
-No, he looked at me as I wasn’t there … I don´t think he´ll remember anything of this night-
-What has Thanos done to him? Frigga pleads to him
-I do not know, all we can do is try that he doesn´t caught him again-
Frigga rested her head on Odin´s chest, as she tried to calm her own heart she closes her eyes as she desperately tries to think of something that could help Loki.

Thor has asked Odin to let him take Jane from Asgard to keep Malekith from attacking them, Odin won´t hear about it, angered by the attack on his queen. As Heimdall reminds him about Loki´s ability to travel the paths between realms Thor feels conflicted, he doesn’t want to ask his brother for help, but he has no other choice.
-You cannot ask that off your brother –Frigga says to him as he tells her off his plans.
-I do not have a choice mother.-
-Loki is the only one that can get us from Asgard, you know it-
-Yes- his mother answers with a sigh – I do. But that does not mean I like it.-
-Do you think he will agree to come?
-Yes, he will he is also as stubborn as your father, he will be wanting for the dark elves to pay for hurting me. But do you think you can trust him? He is quite unpredictable you know-
-I do not have to trust him.-
-All right you should better go before it is too late-
-I will see you soon mother do not worry-Thor says as he leaves the room.
-I always worry – Frigga answers too low for Thor to hear – The tree of you always give me a reason to worry.
Thor approaches Loki´s cell.
– Thor. After all this time, and now you come to visit me. Why? Is mother ok?-
– Yes, she is all right-
– No thanks to you- Loki shouts at him – I could have protected her-
-But you were not there-
-And who´s fault was it? Who put me in here?-Loki shrieks
-Stop it, I have not come to argue with you, instead I offer you the chance of a far richer sacrament.-
– Go on.-
-Vengeance for what they did to mother.You help me escape Asgard and I will grant it to you; vengeance. And afterward, this cell.-
Loki chuckles as he says -You must be truly desperate to come to me for help. What makes you think you can trust me?-

– I don’t. –Thor answers him – Mother does.-
-When do we start? – Loki replies with a smile.
Loki, Thor and Jane are on the dark elves planet, Loki has followed Thor´s plan but not even Mjolnir can destroy the Aether.
As Malekith departs on his ship Loki and Thor fight Kurse and a handful of Dark Elves.
After Loki defeats the Dark Elves he looks to Thor and sees him being smashed into the ground. He approaches from behind and runs Kurse through with a huge blade. Kurse turns and impales Loki through the chest with the same blade.
-No!-Thor shouts

Kurse flings Loki to the ground and walks towards him. He seems completely unaffected by his injury.

-See you in Hel, monster. – Loki snarls at him

Kurse looks down and sees Loki has activated the black hole grenade he wears at his hip. Before he can tear it free it explodes, sucking the mutated Dark Elf into a black hole. Thor rushes to Loki’s side.

– No, no, no… -Thor says in anguish as he gathers Loki in his arms. -Oh, you fool, you didn’t listen.-
– I know… I’m a fool, I’m a fool.-Loki replies
– Stay with me, okay?-
– I’m sorry… I’m sorry for everything, he force me to do it, promise me you will not look any further on this, promise me you will not try to fight him, he is too powerful; promise me …-Loki demands tears on his eyes.
-I promise brother …Shh… It´s okay.-
-Do not tell father, it was Thanos- Loki confesses as he grows calm as he stops shaking. His face turns to a light shade of blue.
– It is all right. I will tell Father what you did here today-
– I didn’t do it for him.-
Thor screams in anguish as Loki dies on his arms, there´s nothing they can do and they still have to stop Malekith, so they leave Loki´s body behind and start looking for refuge from a sudden sand storm.

Sometime later asgardian guards arrive at the planet looking for them only to find Loki´s body.
-What should we do? -The youngest guard asks to his leader.
-We should take the body with us, as we arrive I will report Odin All Father about our findings and ask him what we should do with him-
As the guard arrives at Odin´s throne room and reports his findings he awaits for his King orders.
-Take Loki´s body to the Healer´s rooms, the Queen should have an opportunity to bid him farewell. I will join you there to tell her.
Odin takes a moment and starts heading to the healer´s rooms as the guards transport Loki´s body and place him carefully on one of the beds.
-It is going to break Frigga´s heart – he thinks to himself – A parent should not outlive his children. Cause, he was our child, wasn´t he? Laufey abandoned him, was I any better? Maybe I should have left him to die that day it would had spared us all of a lot of pain – Regret bites him hard as soon as the thought had appeared- No, I couldn´t have, how could I let him to die then? The moment he warmed up at my touch I knew he was mine and I would love him. And now, he is gone ….-with that last thought Odin enters the room and orders everyone but Sygn to leave in case Frigga may need her, with a sigh he walks into his queens room to tell her of their son´s fate.
-No!… no, it can´t be- Frigga screams are full of pain.-Let me see him, let me see my child –Odin helps her walk to the bed where Loki´s body has been placed, as soon as she sees him she embraces him and unleashes all the tears she had held back. She rests her head on his chest as her sobs grow quieter. Then in an instant she stops crying as she opens her eyes and tries intently to listen … was it her imagination? No, there it is! …. A heart beep, almost imperceptible … but she has heard it.
-Sygn! – She screams – He is alive. I heard a heart beep, very faint but I heard it.-
Sygn rushes at Loki´s bedside and starts examining him –Damn it!-she finally exclaims –The Queen is right, dead mean do not bleed – she finally states as she points to the bed sheets that had become soaked with Loki´s blood.
Odin looks at her a mix of disbelief, surprise and anger – Why didn’t the guards noticed?-
-His pulse and breathing are almost imperceptible, if it weren´t for the Queen we might have not noticed at all- she answers as she starts undressing Loki in search of his wounds.
-I will reprehend them, nonetheless, not recognizing a dead man from a living- he states hiding the relief he himself feel at the news.
-No, please don´t- Frigga says an idea forming on her mind- Sygn please tell no one he is still alive-
-Why not? – Odin asks her.
-Odin All Father, I have a dire need to talk to you in private- Odin looks at her puzzled by her answer, but not wanting to furthermore upset his still recuperating wife agrees and helps her walk back to her bed.
As she reaches her room doorway she turns to Sygn and fearfully asks tears on her eyes– Will he live?-
-If he pulls through the night he might have chance-Sygn answers as she keeps attending Loki.

Loki is so bored lying on his bed at his cell, an empty cup being thrown and catch over and over again when commotion rises up as Algrim transforms into Kurse and smashes one of the inmates into the energy shield to get out.
Loki keeps watching the turmoil with curiosity as Algrim opens the other prisoner’s cells but his own and leaves through the stairs on the left.
-Just as well- Loki says undisturbed, then changes his mind – I have a bad feeling about this – as he turns to find his blue gem – Why mother didn´t cast a spell on this so I could call her?-he knew the answer, so Odin wouldn´t accidently find out they were seeing each other.
-All I can do is wait. – he stated with a frown on his face- I hate this-. He sat back on his bed a hand over his hair trying to keep at bay the feeling that something really bad was happening.
He didn´t had to wait for long as the gem glittered and his mother appeared.
-Are you ok? What is happening? A strange looking prisoner broke out-
-Loki, there is no time to explain right now I need your help-
-But I cannot help you from over here, you know the magic barrier will not allow me to- he said feeling useless.
-You can, just do as I say, the magic barrier will not hurt you as long as you do not try to get the magic out. I just need you to create a diversion-
-I am listening-Loki swiftly answers –What do you need me to do?
Frigga explains him her plan quickly, she will divert the dark elves attention from Jane Foster, Thor´s lady friend but if something goes wrong he would create a secondary diversion.
-I will let the gem channel on for the moment. Hide! – She tells him as the door opens.
Malekith and Algrim come in looking for the aether vessel, Jane Foster. Frigga fools them with an illusion of Jane, but it doesn´t take long for them to find out as they close on her Loki´s projection reveals himself dressed on his armour as he threatens them to release Frigga and fight him.
Algrim thrown his sword at him, as it passes through the astral projection Frigga tells Malekith – I will not tell you anything- Malekith replies –I believe you- as Algrim pulls out a dagger meaning to kill Frigga with it.
-No! – Loki screams in despair as he does the only thing he can think off … getting his magic out to create a magic barrier to protect her, the pain is excruciating but all he can think off is trying to save his mother.
As he blacks out and the spell fades Thor walks into the room, at the same time Algrim´ s dagger gets through the barrier and injures Frigga, only Thor swift reaction saves her from a second blow as he strikes Malekith with his lightning instantly blackening one side, both him and Algrim run to the balcony. Thor throws his hammer, knocking them over the edge but as he runs forward, a harrow ship flies up and past, out of even Mjolnir’s range. They have escaped.
Just as they get away Odin enters the room to find his queen bleeding in the floor.
-I am sorry-she says – I should have been more careful-
-Do not say anything, you are going to be all right- Odin says to her as he carries her into the healing rooms. Thor follows them.
-It was a close call-Sygn tells Thor – A few centimeters more and she would not be here with us.-
As he walks into the room where his parents are he sees Odin holding Frigga hands on his own, he stops in the doorway not wanting to interrupt them.
-I almost lost you-
-But you did not- Frigga answers him. -I´ll be fine you have a reign to attend to, besides- she already had seen Thor at the entrance –Thor can look after me.-
Odin turns to see his son. -All right- he says- But I´ll come back as soon as I can-
-I know you will- He kisses her as he leaves.
-Take care of your mother while I return-
-I will father-Thor answers him
-Come here Thor-Frigga smiles at him as she extends her hand to receive his as Odin leaves the room.
-It was a close call mother, we are very lucky to have you still with us-Thor states.
-It was not luck Thor- She tells him as she closes her eyes and with a sigh finally confesses –It was Loki, he saved me, he cast a protective barrier over me but he should not have done it, it could have killed him- He can see the tears as she opens her eyes-Please Thor, go to the dungeons, make sure he is all right.-
Thor stares at her in disbelief, he knows the dungeons magic barrier effects as well as his brother does, he is having his mind blown over his mother´s confession.
-I will go mother, do not worry. I am, sure he is all right- He finally tells her, not completely sure it is the truth.
His heart skips a beat when he reaches Loki´s cell to find him passed out on the floor holding still a smoking black gem on his right hand.
He enters the cell afraid his brother didn´t make it and he would have to tell his mother off his fate when he feels Loki´s breathing as he turns him over.
-Brother! – He shouts at him as he tries to revive him.
-Mmm …- Loki complains at his efforts to awaken him when the memories of what just happened come back to him causing him to jump only to fall back to the floor where Thor caught him.
He was too exhausted – Mother? – he manages to ask.
-She is all right- Thor answers him smiling – She is in the healing rooms, she will be all right. Do not worry soon you will have her admonishing you for what you did. She was worried about the consequences of your spell.-
-Oh, I will never hear the end of it- Loki answers with a sigh as he closes his eyes.
-Brother! – Thor shouts at him as he shakes Loki
-Thor, stop that. I am not dying, I am just too worn out, leave me alone. I need to sleep-
-All right Loki, you earned your rest-Thor answers as he carries his brother’s body from the floor unto his bed.
-Mother is alive- Loki tells to himself as he smiles and allows sleep come over him.

It had been a couple of weeks since Sygn started visiting Loki, the scars on his body nearly gone except for some fine lines that traced over his skin.
-Thank you- escaped from his lips the day before
-You need no to thank me but …-she stopped
-To my brother – he finished on his mind. Some wounds take longer to heal, and the one´s you can´t see always take the longest.
He knew it has been his fault, even if he couldn´t bring himself to admit it, but the pain of his true origin caused him was still too fresh on his mind.
-I cannot say I have enjoyed our visits-She said interrupting his thoughts- But I must admit I will miss them-
Loki looked up at her, he felt a miss at words, it wasn´t that he enjoyed her visits either, but he had gotten used to them, and now he would be back to being alone, maybe that´s what he deserved, after all it had been his fault.
-I can always hurt myself so we can continue your visits- he said half-meaning it.
-Don´t you dare-Sygn said with a frown-I you harm yourself I will most definitely not come-
-I was just kidding-Loki said, not entirely sure of why he had said such a thing. Maybe loneliness
-You should better be truthful about that-Sygn answered still rather angry at his comment.
-I have something for you- She stated trying to still sound angry, as she hand him quickly what seemed to be a little blue gem- It is from your mother- she said with a smile-
Loki hold it hard to his chest in disbelief, he hadn´t seen or heard anyone but Sygn since he was locked in. Now his mother Frigga reached for him, she was the only one that always had been there for him, and it pained him not to be able to see her.
-Thank you – he quickly answered
-You are welcome-Sygn said as her smile grew larger
-I bid you farewell my prince, I hope you find peace-
-I bid you farewell my little torturer, I will miss you- Loki answered trying to bother Sygn with the mean nickname, but she didn´t cared she had gotten used to it, and she knew it was just Loki being Loki, he didn’t meant it.
With that she departed leaving him to his thoughts and with the small gem.
It seems to be magic the thought, but what sort of magic? The cell barriers would block any sort of magic that tried to get out; he learned that the hard way, he could do magic in his cell just as long it wasn´t reaching out. He winced at the memory of the pain the barrier caused him when he tried to play a trick on the guards, he wasn’t eager to try that again.
Then as answering his thoughts the gem glittered, his heart missed a beat as he recognized the shape that formed –Mother- he said. He could feel the tears washing over his face but he didn´t minded, he thought he would never see her face again.
-Loki, my love – her mother answered him, her smile matching his.

Thor walked on Sygn as she finished examining the recording, she was looking rather unhappy almost angry.
-Are you all right Sygn? You seem disturbed-
-Thor, I did not hear you coming in, well I must admit I am not overly fond of Loki, but after examining his soul recording I feel sorry for him.-
Thor look at her intently – What do you mean?-
-There is evidence of several broken bones including ribs, nose and fingers which are fully healed, as well as some hairline fractures on arms and legs which are still healing, all evidence of him taking some serious beatings for a long period of time until recently –then she added – I discarded the most recent ones believing they are from Midgard battle and the older ones which could be dated before he went missing. What happened to him?-
-I do not know Sygn he will not tell me. I was hoping you could shed a light onto what happened to him all the time he was missing-
-If I had to guess, I would say he was being tortured on daily bases- Sygn stated bluntly.
Thor paled at her words. He knew something bad had happened to Loki but he did not expected such an outcome.
-Are you sure? – He asked
-Yes, the wounds you sent me to treat are probably the most recent injuries he sustained- she paused – he was flogged with some king of magic fire-whip and the wounds were left untreated probably to make a point-
Thor felt at lost; Loki could have been forced to invade Midgard? To steal the Teseract? But who could have force him to do it? How his brother did escape the void? Too many questions without answers and he had no time to search for them. Odin had ordered him to leave and restore peace on the Nine Realms, but how could he leave Loki knowing what he knew.
-Thank you Sygn, could you keep visiting him until he is fully healed?-
-You didn’t need to ask Thor, of course I will-
-I bid you farewell, I am leaving in the morning to restore the peace on the Realms-
-Be careful Thor, and do not worry over Loki, he will be fine-
-Thanks again Sygn, goodnight-
Thor walked out of the healer’s room with a heavy heart, he had seen his brother conflicted by the invasion while fighting him – It´s too late- the words haunted him.
I see no choice, he thought. I will have to tell mother, she would be the best person to help him. They have always been very close; I just hope I can convince her to keep all this to herself for the moment.
He went to their parents’ chambers hoping Odin would still be out on official business, and was relief when he found his mother alone by the terrace.
-Mother?-
-Yes Thor – Frigga answered she did seem rather sad that night.
-I need to speak you about Loki, alone-
She looked at him deeply intrigued- What about? I do not think there is nothing else to say, your father will not allow me to see him-
-Please mother, it is important, and I need you to promise you will not do anything hasty.-
-I promise- she answered – we can go to the gardens if you would like more privacy-
-I think my chambers would keep this from unintended ears-
-All right, but you are being awfully cautious what is wrong?-
-I would rather tell you on my chambers-
-Then, let´s go-
Thor couldn´t remember doing something harder that telling his mother what he had learned about Loki´s missing time.
The tears … the rage … and the impotence.
His mother´s heart was broken … she couldn´t even hold his youngest son, she couldn´t comfort him which pained her the most.
-I wished I did not had to tell you mother, but father ordered me to leave in the morning and I cannot leave Loki alone…-he stated while looking at the ground, he felt ashamed he had to burden his mother with such knowledge.
-Oh Thor! It is not your fault- she said reading his face- you did not knew either, and if you had not been around the dungeons when Loki argued with the guards, we wouldn´t knew. But why haven’t you told your father?-
-I do not think he will forgive Loki that easily, no matter the evidence. He is too angry-
-You may be right, this is not the best moment to tell him, he has too much on his mind and blames Loki for the uprising in the Realms-
-Well, he is right about that-Thor quickly responded.
-I know he is, that is why we should keep this from him until time is right- her mother added.
-Sygn will continue visiting Loki until he is fully healed, but how will you keep an eye on him afterwards with father prohibition?-
-Oh, I will think of something- Frigga answered with a mischievous smile.
“I hadn´t noticed that´s where he takes that from” Thor smiled as he realized it was the same gesture he had seen on his brother´s face more than once.
-Should I visit him and tell him what we know? That you are going to find the way to keep in contact-
-No, I think it is better you don´t. You know your brother, if you charge down on his rescue he will shut us down. We must give him time to heal, and not only from his wounds …-
Thor nodded in agreement.
-Can I walk you back to your chambers?-
-Of course son-Frigga answered with a smile-I expect you to come back to us unharmed, be careful-
-I will mother, do not worry. There is too much to do over here, the Realms will not keep me long-
With that he took his mother hand in his and placed it on his arm walking her out of his room.

Sygn arrived at the dungeons, she had only been there once but she remembered the procedure so she didn’t had anything on her that could be used as a weapon but she carried a portable Soul Forge which would make her job easier and faster.
Thor already had given orders to the guards to take her to Loki, his cell was on a corner so no much privacy could be expected, not that she wanted some but Thor´s request to be discreet would be hard to keep. As if they had read her mind the guards told her that she had half an hour before they returned for her.
Loki looked both surprised and intrigued about her presence but did not said a word.
-I am here at your brother´s request- She finally said
Loki seemed about to protest when she continued – He asked me to treat you for some wounds with total discretion; a promise I intend to keep unless you make a scene-
Loki let out a sigh as he said – Well, let´s get to it- saying this he took off his shirt which caused Sygn to let out a muffled gasp, she surely had seen worst wounds but not too many. The wounds looked untreated; as she started to examine one of the scars onLoki´s back he winced at her touch.
-I am sorry, do they hurt much?-Sygn asked
-Not as much as they used to- Loki simply stated not turning around.
-Can you tell me anything that would help me choosing the best treatment for them?-
-I do not think so-
-All right, I will apply some medicine to them, brace yourself it might sting a lot. Please sit.-
Loki sat at the bed which was really the only place he could sit in as Sygn started to treat his wounds Loki bit his lower lip trying not to scream, though Sygn touch was gentle the ointment she was applying on his wound did sting a lot. He closed his eyes fighting off the tears he could feel forming.
Although Sygn was very fast it seemed like an eternity, Loki was feeling lightheaded and soon he had to find support on a little table beside his bed.
-I am finished- Sygn told him – You can put your shirt on now. Lay on the bed now I need to check you with the Soul Forge.-
Loki felt glad he could lie down, he did not wanted Sygn to see how weak he was feeling.
Sygn started making a recording with the Soul Forge, she knew the guards would be getting back soon so she wouldn´t have time to do a full checkup right there, but she could review the recording later.
Although she didn’t say a word about it, she knew the treatment had taken his toll on Loki, but thankfully next time wouldn´t be as trialing. She prepared some medicine and gave it to Loki –Drink it, it will help you rest-
As soon as he had taken it the guards appeared.
-I will come back tomorrow to check on you-
-To torture me a little more – Loki said with a sad smile
-You are going to be a very complaining patient, are you not?-
-You can bet on it- Loki replied as his smile seemed warmer.
Sygn was glad to get out of the dungeons, the air seemed so stuffed and stale in them, she craved for fresh air and sunlight. Then she returned to the healing rooms she had a recording to examine.

Thor couldn´t take his mind of what he had seen, the bruising could have happened during the battle, but the scars. Those awful scars wrapping Loki´s body, he knew they had to be from a flogging. The mere though send shivers through his spine.
Who could have done this? Who could have scared his brother so much that he rather keep quiet?
He had reached the healers room, he needed to find Sygn. She was one of the best healers and a very trustworthy person. He needed her to treat Loki’s wounds without their parents finding out, not that Odin would care he was too angry at Loki to care, he was too proud to admit Loki´s actions hurt him because he still loved him. And Frigga, she would freak out if she knew, she would even try to set him free, which wouldn´t be the best thing considering how powerful a mage Loki was and how scared he looked. No, Loki would be safer for the time being on his cell –where no harm can come- he had said to him. Thor suspected it meant no harm could come to Loki there.
The scars … how could someone do that to his little brother? They traced all over of his body, his chest as well as his back, and there was something oddabout the way they looked as if something hot had been used to make them. The thought of Loki getting that kind of punishment made him feel sick.
Sygn stopped his train of thought when she saluted him.
-Thor, what are you doing here, are you hurt?-
-Hello Sygn, no I am all right but I need a favor.-
-What do you need? – said Sygn with a smile
-I need you to go to the dungeons and treat Loki for some wounds, but I need you to be discreet, do not tell anyone but me of what you will see. –
-You are intriguing me Thor, but I will do as you ask-
-Thank you Sygn-
With that Thor left the healing rooms towards his chambers, he needed to think, could Loki had been forced into invading Midgard? And who could have done it striking Loki’s heart with so much fear?
His brother could be many things, but not a coward, he wouldn´t be so easily spooked.
Thor kept thinking as he showered, he touched the scar Loki gave him recently and started to wonder if his brother hadn´t really wanted to injure him. He could have killed me or the others during the battle, why didn´t he tried?