Chapter Text
When the creature started releasing the others, Loki thought this might be his moment; not only to escape but to seek out revenge against those that betrayed him. He kept his poise as the others ran past his cell, the only one filled with furniture compliments of the woman his heart still called mother, no matter what he had last said to her. He saw the creature responsible for the chaos begin to pass him, so he took a step toward the barrier as if saying what about me? He watched intently as it turned and approached and it took all he had not to smirk mischievously as it came closer, his release a hairs breath away, yet whatever it saw when it looked at him, it chose to snatch his moment away when it turned from him. He figured this creature was sent to get inside the barrier that would rise upon Asgard being attacked and was tempted to tell him not only the way to the workings of the device, but Odin…oh how he would love to see Odin’s sweet death. He began to part his lips, but something inside caused him to hesitate; it was a glimpse of his mother’s favorite book, and she was out there and knowing his mother, she’d be near Odin…foolish woman! So he said nothing and moved to gather his mother’s book and took a seat near his cell front and began to read, letting the world once more fade away.
The noises slowly began to fade and Loki had since moved to gather some fresh wine his mother had delivered daily and to get more comfortable on the lounge chair he also used as a bed to await the outcome, when a noise close by caught his attention. He shifted into a sitting position, but something wasn’t right. The guards here long since have died and he had been left to his own for some time, why would anyone be down here now? Curiosity got the best of him and he placed the book down on the soft leather lounge and got to his feet and moved to the far corner, which gave him a view of the entrance to the cells. The thick wooden doors lay wide open, the ground littered with bodies of the fallen, but the sound was coming closer and Loki could tell whoever it was sounded exhausted, perhaps injured. He thought it might be Thor to accuse him of this mess; it never failed that the big oaf blamed him for about everything as of late, no matter how long he has been sealed away in this prison.
It was a matter of moments before the individual came into view and Loki’s heart seized with fear at the sight. “Mother!” he shouted, pounding up upon barrier that kept him from running to her aid. His breathing increased as fear for his mother built up in leaps and bounds as he saw her gown covered in blood and by the way she moved and leaned on the spear… Gunginir, a good portion had to be hers. “Mother!” he shouted again, and then he tried to yell for someone to help.
“Loki,” She breathed out as she continued toward the front of his cell, determination and pain written upon her ageless face. “No one will come,” she panted out, ever moving closer.
“Mother,” Loki gasped, tears stinging his eyes, for she was never someone he wanted to see harmed, as he moved to the front of his cell.
Frigga steadied herself and raised Gunginir and slammed it down, its power vibrating outward and enough to collapse the barrier, before she fell to her knees, barely caught by Loki who did not hesitate upon being free. “My Loki,” she smiled, a dribble of blood made its way from her lips down her chin.
“Mother,” Loki cried, trying to use what healing magic he had, but it was very little as his magic was tamed in his prison. “Please, don’t leave me,” he said, attempting to push his magic into her dying body.
“Loki,” She said, grabbing the hand that was over the fatal wound in her abdomen. “You…you must…listen,” she pleaded.
“Mother, save your strength,” he pleaded.
“You are the last,” she said, ignoring his plea.
“Wh…what?” he asked, not comprehending, trying to get back to healing her, but she was preventing him. “I need…”
“To Listen,” she chastised and then smiled with all her love. She then moved her other hand and pushed Gunginir into his hand. “You are the last…”
Loki released the spear, for he recalled what happened the last time she handed it to him, complete and total failure. “Odin…”
“Dead,” Frigga panted, a bit more blood dibbled from her lips. “The Dark…Elves…Aether found…by Thor’s…Jane. She was here, they came,” she explained. “Odin knew…knew they could not have…taken Jane…” her grip lessened.
“Mother!” Loki panicked, once more tried to heal her, and once more she stopped him. “Please…”
“Listen,” she pleaded. “When all seemed lost…Odin took Jane to the edge…”
“Thor would never let…” Loki instantly interjected.
Frigga shook her head, “he did not, he was caught off guard while they fought…fools,” she spat, as tears fell down already worn tracks from previous crying.
“Th…Thor…is…” Loki couldn’t imagine it. Well, he had imagined it, but never thought it would come true and not like this.
“To prevent…them…Odin kill…killed Jane and took…Aether upon himself,” Frigga explained, keeping tight of Loki’s free hand. “He sent back…back…two…” she released his hand and went in search of something in her robes.
Loki could feel his magic wasn’t going to be enough and they were too far from the healing chambers or anywhere a healing stone could be found. “Save your energy, I need to get you to a healer,” he pleaded, and moved as to lift her, but she stopped him as she grabbed his free hand once more with hers; in it was Odin’s medallion of office, which he wore when he chose not to wear the crown. “His last…words…give…to…you…his…son…” she panted.
“Mother, please…I need…”
“My time…has come…I have seen…” she said in baited breaths, and cupped his cheek, some blood staining his skin. “I’m sorry…I was not…there…I believe…in you…get our revenge…and make…Asgard shine…once more…My son…My King,” she said, then for a brief heartbeat, her eyes shone with more love then Loki could absorb and then her eyes were empty; Queen Frigga, his mother, was gone…they were all gone and Loki was left alone.
*****
Asgard was in flames, death was around every corner celebrating her victory and by way of wails of grief and sorrow she danced to its tune. The only thing Asgard had left among its ruins was its scattered survivors, the Dark Elves departing upon losing not only their leader, who attempted to follow Odin into the abyss, but loss of the Aether as Odin used the last of his power to take it with him to Valhalla.
Volstagg and Fandral stood near the edge where Thor had died, his lady love Jane shortly afterwards, their bodies had been intertwined, and there was no guess who had done them the final honor as her body lay nearby, having fallen in the end; Lady Sif would never be forgotten nor her words
“Odin pardoned and named Loki, Odinson…go, for Asgard,” Sif breathed and joined her King, her Shield brother and his love onward to Valhalla.
After a few moments they rushed back to the remains of the Palace, assuring there were no more Dark Elves lurking, but none were found. No one had seen or heard from Loki, who all believed lead this assault at first. They headed down to the cells, and as they drew closer the sound of grief filled the air.
They both came to a halt as the image of Loki heavily sobbing over his dead mother became clear to them. The Royal Family had been lost, and both men shared a desperate look of what should they do now? When no answer came to either man, Fandral was overwhelmed with anger and charged inward. “I hope you’re happy, you got what you wanted you damned bastard!” he snarled.
“Fandral,” Volstagg chided, following moments later.
Fandral just ducked from being pierced by Gunginir as Loki tossed it toward him. “Take it!” he shouted, “I never wanted it, I never wanted…” he turned and sobbed some more into his mother’s still form.
Volstagg moved slowly and picked up Gunginir and felt…nothing as was said by all the stories, the recognized King/Queen would feel. He watched as Fandral stormed up to him and grabbed it from him and stared at it for a long moment before handing it back to Volstagg in despair, shaking his head no.
Volstagg moved cautiously up to a grieving son, for he was not as blind as the others it seemed, for he knew Loki loved his mother without fail and would never wish her harm, this display of grief was no trick, the loss was real and so was the pain. “My King…”
“No!” Loki snarled at him. “I do not want it!”
“Your mother…” Volstagg began.
“I would trade you all for her,” he growled, his anger and pain evident upon his tearstained face.
“Is that what she would want?” Volstagg replied, holding up a hand to keep Fandral silent as he seemed to be willing to mix words with Loki. “Would she want you to sacrifice what little that remains of Asgard for her?” he softly challenged.
Loki turned to his mother and recalled her words and silently shook his head. “No,” was all he said and after a long minute, he laid her down on the ground and positioned her body to maintain the dignity she lived her life with. He then wiped his face with his sleeve, took Odin’s medallion and placed it over his head and stood like the Prince he was raised to be and held out his hand. In moments Gunginir flew to him, knowing its new master. “Report,” he said, his voice just on the edge of breaking.
Volstagg lead by example and knelt on one knee, his free fist over his heart. “My King,” he said. “The Dark Elves have fled upon seeing Maliketh, their leader, die alongside Odin, who used the last of his power to take his enemy and the Aether with him to Valhalla.”
Loki nodded and then looked at Fandral, his eyes demanding knowledge from him only. “What remains?” he asked.
Fandral hesitated, but knew in the long run Volstagg had much wisdom and he would follow his shield brother’s lead. He too knelt. “Not much is known at present. Many deaths, there are many fires throughout.”
“It is probably only a matter of time before the Svartálfr regroups and attempt to take advantage of our vulnerability,” Loki said, attempting to appear calm and in control. “Volstagg, I need you to find what remains of our military and guards, work with the people to bring them into the boundary of the palace as quickly as possible. What healers there are will head to Healer’s Hall, lead the injured there.”
“The city burns?” Fandral protests.
“I am aware and will see to it,” Loki replied, no anger lacing his voice. “I need you, Fandral to seek out what mages there are and get them to the protection barrier’s interior, it is their priority,” Loki commanded.
“Yes, My King,” Fandral conceded.
Both warriors watched Loki take a deep breath and then moved forward, every ounce the Prince...King he appeared to be, seeming to know he had to present a calm front so the people of Asgard didn’t panic any more than they already were. Both men shared a final look, Volstagg hopeful, Fandral cynical, but followed suit silently nonetheless.
In moments with Loki’s long stride, he was above ground and went to the nearest window/patio and stepped outside. He raised Gunginir and his arms outward, and only Volstagg noticed the lone tear that fell down his cheek as foreign words left his lips and in moment’s warm heavy rains began to fall where the fires were at its worst. He turned to the two men, “The rain will take care of the fires, see to it your orders are carried out swiftly,” Loki said.
“And where will we be able to find you, My King?” Volstagg inquired.
“I will first head to the matrix to meet with the mages, then I will head to Healer’s Hall, where our people otherwise will gather,” Loki replied and didn’t wait for further input, he turned and headed out into the direction he stated.
“Are we really going to let him be King?” Fandral demanded of Volstagg.
Before the older man could respond, Loki’s voice carried far, proving his hearing was better than most ever gave him credit for. “When Vengeance is found, and Asgard once more shines, as per my Mother’s dying request, you can choose your damn King, I care not. But I will NOT fail my mother…” Loki said and turned back to head to the matrix of the barrier. “…again,” he said to himself.
“You have your answer, boy, now off with you, there is much to do, time wasted gives Death too much time to play,” Volstagg said and head toward where he saw some warriors to spread the orders of their King.
*****
It was late, the sun long since set and Loki sat in Odin’s office, searching over some documents, but not seeing the words before him. So much of the stuff before him were trade deals, commerce and other deals that weighed heavily on Asgard being able to either provide protection or goods it no longer had. Asgard, the Shining beacon of the Nine Realms, shined no more; it was supposed to be what Loki wanted, but no, this was not what he wanted, to be left in charge of refugees and ruins. He wanted to prove to Odin and Thor that he could be King, and prove them wrong of their views of him…this was never the way such a thing was to come about. They were supposed to be here for him to gloat over and his Mother to smile her love and faith to him, but now he was alone and the people…entrusted to him by his mother were in trouble.
The populace of Asgard was in the high thousands, but now a mere few thousand remain, most of her might already resting or being prepared for ships to release their souls onward, to be led by their Queen and Golden Prince and his lady love. Soon Loki would have to lead the service and make the speech of his life, for there were too many rumors that he was behind this travesty, and such discord could not be allowed to remain, much less fester, too much depended on his ability to pull the people…his people, whether he wanted it or not, together.
A knock on the door got his attention. “Come,” he commanded, and moved things around to appear busy. He watched as a guard opened the door to Volstagg who had taken it upon himself to act as his advisor and general.
“My pardon, My King, but it is time,” he said.
“Of course,” Loki said. “Any other news?” he asked as he got to his feet, automatically reaching for Gunginir as he did so.
“Heimdall lives, though injured,” Volstagg reported. “Hogun of the Vanir has returned along with some of our allies, their fresh eyes are keeping watch this evening.”
Loki nodded and followed Volstagg out of the room and down to where the people awaited. On the way he got further reports on the number of wounded, dead, damages and what remained intact. Before he exited, a servant girl, a few bandages on her hand and face, ran up to him, she was holding a tray with a bowl of warm water and a clean cloth and towel.
Loki thanked her sincerely and washed his face and hands, before exiting, wearing the same clothes he had all day, not sparing a moment for something as trivial as dress, there was too much to do. He stood upon the top of a large staircase, and overlooked those gathered. He could see, even by torch light, the fear, anger and doubt in the people’s eyes.
“WE,” Loki said, and let his voice echo for a moment to allow silence to follow, before continuing. “We,” he said again, “stood against the treachery of the Svartálfr and won,” he said firmly. “But the price of victory has sent many of our people to the halls of Valhalla, where they will join Odin-Allfather, along with our beloved…Queen Frigga, my…Mother, and my…brother…Prince Thor. They gave their lives so Asgard could continue and continue it shall.” Loki said, sensing a stir in the people, but there was a point that needed to be addressed.
“There are many who say I was behind this travesty in some form or fashion,” Loki said plainly. “Upon the ancient oaths that bind everyone in this land, I swear upon my life, the honor of my mother and brother…and Odin himself, that I did not in any way play part in instigating, allowing or aiding, this horrendous event. I have also stated that upon vengeance being fulfilled and all of Asgard shining like it once did, per my mother’s dying wish, I shall hand over the throne to whomever the people see fit to name King.”
“We are to believe Odin named you heir?” a male voice called out in the darkness.
A bit of anger filled Loki to be challenged as such after swearing a binding oath, but he learned much from Odin, and now the madness was gone, he could think clearer than before. “Very well, tomorrow at noon, all who wish to challenge me for the right to wield Gunginir, who all know will only respond to the true King of Asgard, may do so. If any but I can, then I will step aside. The Einherjar, keeper of Gunginir know it well and can never be fooled by tricks or fakes, will oversee this event. But in the meantime, we were here to honor our dead. Where normally the feasting halls would be prepped, I have had the meal set up in Healer’s Hall, so those who cannot attend here can join us in giving our loved ones a proper send off. I ask you, for tonight at least, let not me, sway you from doing your friends and family proud.” Loki said and then with a nod, Frigga’s boat was released, then Thor’s and Lady Jane’s, then the rest. After many long minutes of silence, Loki picked up his mother’s bow and lit the tip on fire but with a kiss, and demonstrated that he was her son as his shot was perfect. After a moment he also sent one to Thor’s and Jane’s ship, before handing the bow to Volstagg, who shot one to Lady Sif’s only moments before hundreds of arrows alit filled the sky.
Loki stood silent, watching the boat that carried his mother’s body reach the edge of their world, and with a clang from Gunginir, her boat didn’t tumble as was to be expected, but traveled straight into the heavens and then turned to stardust and rose, leading the way for the others. Soon, Thor’s and Jane’s ship followed, then Sif’s and the rest. Loki paid no attention to the tear that fell down his cheek as he remained silent and poised, like his mother, until the last ship faded to dust, the he turned and left; there was much to do still and hard decisions to be made; it would only be a matter of time before Asgard’s enemies would attempt to take advantage, and Loki would be ready, but to do so, they needed something Asgard was not use to requiring…help.
**End of Chapter One**