Escape
Loki walked down the hallway to the Royal couple's chambers. This time there were guards stationed there. They a little hesitantly moved to stop him from entering, but one look and a poisons green glow in his eyes, were enough to make the guards rethink their decision. They moved to let him in and the second prince dismissed them, telling them to get far away from here. They did not complain, their shift was over soon, anyway.
The sorcerer walked in, face impassive.
"Loki," both the king and the queen said in unison, Odin said it darkly and warningly, Frigga more questioningly and with fake concern. She stepped closer, but Loki took a step back, making her stop. At least they could take a hint, unlike Thor.
"Am I your son?" he blurted the question before they could say anything else.
The pause was short, but still there, this little uncertain moment. This was enough to break the little doubt he had left in him.
"Yes," Odin's strong voice echoed, in comparison to the small uncertain silence. Loki's face remained impassive, his magic on the other hand didn't. Now though, he was more in control. The talk with Fandral really help. And as long as they can't feel the energy surging through him everything is well.
"Why would you ask?" Frigga voiced gently, a small smile on her lips.
He completely ignored her, "Then why would you try to take my magic?" he asked instead - which sounded more like a cold statement, like he knew something, "You wouldn't do that to Thor now, would you? And since both of you know how to use it, you know how painful it might be," now that was said firmly and as a statement.
Odin almost growled, how dare this ungrateful creature to talk back to him?
"Your magic is dangerous," it was said in a firm, raised voice, with all the authority of a king, "And you are acting recklessly, selfishly, like a spoiled, little child," Odin accused.
Loki let go of his magic. He needed to divert their attention from his first question and if they were, even a little bit, doubtful of his motives, something will go wrong in his plan. He knew very well, he couldn't hide for the rest of his life - a very long life - from the Allfather, and then Thor, and then his children too...
So, he let the impression of being upset by this comment by letting his magic flow freely, relieving him of the painful energy. He felt relief but hid it well. And his upset energy flow was enough to prove Odin right. Yes, Loki had a long way to go until he was in control of himself again. But for now, as long as he could act without much trouble, everything was fine.
And just on time, outside he heard the guards coming for their shift. What he did not expect was for Odin to actually attack him with his own magic. This caught the prince off guard. The Allfather rarely used magic himself, not that he was bad with welding it, but it was such rare sight that made Loki shudder. He was thinking too much, too long, he let himself slip. He was used to verbal battles, not physical ones, not with Odin.
The power from Gungnir threw him off balance and straight to the wall - hmm, that's how it must have felt for Thor - weakening him with the shot. Binding magic, the sorcerer recognized, he could sense it in the air. The dark prince was quick to his feet, but the guards had already heard the commotion inside and now were in. Now matters were getting complicated.
"Do not let him escape," and the guards were quick on the defense. They were scared, that was clear, even if trained. Still, four guards weren't enough to keep the mage down.
The second prince let the full destructive potential of his magic go. Even if bound, he was too uncontrollable, chaotic, dangerous. Hmm, losing control of yourself could be helpful. Even Odin couldn't control that much power, Loki could...when emotionally stable, of course.
Both Odin and Frigga tried to keep his magic down, but couldn't go much close. He forced the guards to their knees and shot past them, running into the hallways, and wherever his feet would carry him. His magic making his steps silent and phase faster, the guards - if following - would be unable to keep track.
The second prince stopped once far enough and sure no one was following. He took a glance at his surroundings and immediately knew where he was.
In front of Fandral's door.
"You have my word."
Loki nodded rather stiffly, the distress still present in those deep green eyes, "We cannot speak here," he whispered urgently, "We must go."
At this moment a million questions went through his head, but he could only nod dumbly. The second prince was taking him somewhere in the middle of the night, his parents weren't supposed to know a thing, he needed his help with something. What was going on here? Did he mess up something? Was it about his magic? Were they trying to take it from the sorcerer again?
None of those questions made it past his lips. Guards were heard outside and the next few things that happened were a blur. A hand on his own, a surge of energy, cold night air, fall, cool grass under his face, a forest.
"Apologies," said the dark prince kneeling next to him, "I had to improvise. I understand you may not be used to this kind of traveling."
The warrior sat upright and groaned, "Just warn me the next time," he almost whined.
"The guards were too close...I panicked..." he explained, sitting next to the warrior, hands in his lap, gaze downwards, "They won't find us here."
Fandral stared at him for a moment longer, but he was still sleepy, and teleporting did not help in the slightest, "...Why the secrecy..?" the question felt unfinished, but the mage let it go as quickly as he caught it.
Loki thought of everything that happened before he went - practically ran - to Fandral. All the memories of his childhood coming back to him, every single conversation, argument he had with the Allfather, the (fake) reassurance from the queen, his adoptive parents that took him in, but still kept him at arm's length, the last argument they had mare minutes ago. The fight... He hadn't been punished for a long time...not with physical blows, anyway. And to be struck by Gungnir...
The...prince - it doesn't feel right to be referred to as such anymore - he swallowed and started hesitantly "What I am about to tell you, no one else knows, not even Thor...I think," he added quietly. Loki was pulled again in his thoughts, and Fandral let him. Whatever this was, it was causing the prince younger man great distress.
He refocused on the conversation again, continuing, "It is only the king, the queen and I that know. And now I am going to tell you," the sorcerer glanced up, his gaze somewhat shying away from the warrior, "You gave me your word you will not tell anybody," he was dead serious, and the warrior nodded dumbly, a little taken aback with how quick the dark prince - he's not a prince - switched between emotions.
Loki inhaled deeply through his nose and exhaled slowly, "I..." he licked his lips, biting his lower one, "Thor is not my brother. I...I am adopted."
The last part was said so softly, Fandral wasn't sure if he was hearing things. He stared at the sorcerer for a long moment and the more he thought about it the more realistic it seemed. He was so different from the royal family, he wasn't brash and thirsty for adventures like Thor, wasn't acknowledged as equal to Thor, always the disappointment of the family. His appearance was also quite different from the other three members of the family. And it seemed like the king always looked down on his youngest, expecting more and more, and too much, always the impossible from Loki. And when he failed, it was something to do with the nobles, the court, the paperwork, all the hard work expected from a prince, the work Thor never did. It seemed like he really was that bad as described by everyone at one point, but now that he thought about it, those tricks weren't as bad too. Everyone needs to rest, to have a break at some point, even Odin. And everything the sorcerer did was in favor of the Realm. No, Loki wasn't as bad as everyone described, just misunderstood. And to think he had to deal with all of this on his own. Now it was more clear why everything he did was such big of a deal - in the worst way possible - whereas whatever Thor did was worth a celebration. That's why he kept to himself. He couldn't rely on anyone, and now that his world was shattered by the lie of his lineage. It was shocking how much the second prince could endure and still keep it together - until the most recent announcement of the Allfather. And how much more could he endure?
Fandral was touched that he was Loki's choice to confine this information. A warm smile crept on the warrior's face and before he knew it, he was hugging the younger man. They both were shocked, but Loki didn't pull away, relaxing slightly in the arms of his...friend. Yes, a friend. Fandral shifted and readjusted his hold of the lean man.
Neither of them knew how long they stayed there, hugging, when Fandral whispered, "Thank you."
"What for?" the sorcerer whispered back.
"For telling me."
Loki shuddered. If he broke down now, he knew he wouldn't be able to stop. But he kept to himself for so long, he couldn't keep going like that. He knew he had Thor by his side, but now it wasn't his blond, blue-eyed brother, it was his blond, blue-eyed friend. The first and only one he has ever had.
There was also the possibility he was faking it, winning him over, his trust, just to betray him one day, to get his reward. Loki was still his way of gaining status. Retrieving him would mean Fandral will find himself in the king's good grace.
But the way he held the sorcerer, the warm smile, and the understanding in his eyes. To find out why you could never compete, no matter how hard you tried, was depressing. All his fears coming true, all his doubts swimming to the front of his head, the darkness he so desperately tried to keep at bay. He was willing to accept whatever comfort right now. And he was never wrong, no matter how sometimes he wished he was.
So, he let go. Let go of all his inner distress, anxiety, sorrow. If Odin and Frigga kept that a secret what other secrets they have? For now, he will forget about them, this was about him, not them. He could be a little selfish.
Fandral wanted to ask how he was so sure? Did they tell him? Did he find out? Accidentally or intentionally? But the way the dark prince was shaking, the way his broken sobs sounded, he was sure of himself, and his findings.
The sorcerer was never again going to be alone. Fandral vowed it, tightening his grip in what he hoped was a reassuring way.
They stayed like that for hours, even after Loki cried himself into sleep Fandral kept his firm hold. If no one's going to judge him then why should he care? The prince was leaning on Fandral's shoulder, head tilted downward. The warrior removed his armor, careful not to wake up the other. It took some time, but once finished he laid on the ground with the sorcerer on top of him. Sleep came quicker than expected afterward.
The next morning when he woke up he was greeted by the sleeping figure next to him. He quickly stood, a little embarrassed, when the events of last night caught up with him. Taking a look around he decided to go for a walk. It was too early for the other to be awake, probably won't be for another two hours.
Loki knew where he was when he spotted a familiar ancient, white tree. That meant they were near a small village. Maybe he'd go and buy something to eat. That was a decent plan.
He turned in the direction of the village and walked until he finally reached it. It really didn't take long. He found his way to the seller's square and bought what he needed. A few people that spotted him, recognized him. Most were friends and people he knew, but others weren't. Apparently, word has reached those people and they knew what had befallen the Realm Eternal, so, unsurprisingly, they thought of him as an easy target. Trying and failing to rob, beat or even kidnap him, they all met the same faith. Falling unconscious or running away. The sorcerer wasn't sure what they'd heard, but if they thought him helpless...oh how wrong they are.
When he came back, Fandral was on his feet, looking a little nervous, confused, and - was that fear? All melted though, the second he saw the mage.
"I thought you left me alone," it was said lightly, supposed to be a little jokingly, but Loki also heard the slight tremor in his voice. His tone wasn't judging, accusing him of leaving, but Loki was as suspicious as ever.
The silence that followed made the warrior uneasy, so he tried to ask casually, "So, where have you been?"
The second prince - was he supposed to think of himself as such? - shrugged, walking up to the other man, "There is a village not so far from here. I went there to buy some food," and as if to emphasize what he just said, the sorcerer flicked his wrist and a basket appeared in his hand, which Fandral guessed was where the food is. The younger man handed it to his companion. In the basket were a few fruits, vegetables, bread, and a jam, none of those he recognized. They don't have them in Asgard. He looked up, raising a questioning brow at the sorcerer.
Loki huffed, "They are not poisoned if that's what you are thinking," the irritation was clear in his words.
"It's not that..." he looked uncertainly between the basket and the prince, "But it's good to know," he added when he saw the unamused look on the other's face, "Um...we don't have those in Asgard. How...how do you know they are safe to eat?" he questioned.
Loki inhaled deeply, with that 'Really?' look of his in those deep green eyes. Fandral has noticed they were resonating with his emotions as well, when he is using his magic, that is.
"I have been here enough times to know these are edible," the sorcerer answered like it was the most obvious thing in the universe, which it might be. Fandral knew the prince liked traveling, so maybe this shouldn't have come as a surprise after all. Which led to his next question.
"And where are we?" he sat down and chose a strange red fruit - what he hoped was a fruit - with a few tentacle-like strands attached to a long green stem. He examined it while waiting for an answer.
"Alfheim," Loki answered easily. Somehow, this turned out to be his favorite place to hide, no one ever found him here, and the magic in the forest and the radiating one from the tree were enough to hide them from Heimdall.
Fandral was looking at him with incredulous eyes, "Alheim? The elven realm? The realm you yourself insisted we never come back again?"
"Yes," Loki deadpanned with a roll of his eyes, "You do recall what happened the last time we came here, do you not?" he didn't even wait for the reaction, "Do you really think I would want this to happen again?"
There was a blunt 'No' from the warrior before Loki continued, "If I am being honest, I quite like the elves and their realm. But I would prefer I come here alone," he finished pointedly.
The warrior tried the fruit in his hand and hummed approvingly, "This is good," he nodded his head and reached for some other fruit, taking something pink, looking like a blueberry...ugh, pinkberry? Whatever, it tastes good. After swallowing a few more of those he said, "And you do remember you were the one teleporting us here."
"Yes," was the short reply, "And you would have preferred staying back on Asgard?" the sorcerer questioned implying he already knew the answer.
"No, of course not," Fandral made a mock-hurt impression of 'how could you say that?' before continuing in a lighter tone, "But I recall I wasn't the one that came in my room last night seeking help," he grinned.
Loki rolled his eyes, unimpressed. He sat down across from Fandral and reached into the basket, pulling something grey. They sat in silence, eating when a question popped in the warrior's head, "So, what's the plan?" the other looked at him with a lifted brow, "You told me last night you are adopted, and you were running from the guards, and the royal family. Do not tell me you are not planning something, because we both know, you always do," he was downright serious right now.
The silence stretched before Loki decided to explain himself, "I want to know who I am, where I come from. I admit I haven't got the time to think this over because I learned last night - I had my suspicions though - but I'm planning on learning more," he confessed.
The warrior nodded, "And me? Why come to me?"
"I have my reasons."
Another silence. Why it's so easy for them to fall silent with just two words? Somehow, it wasn't awkward or uncomfortable.
Then suddenly Fandral huffed a short laugh.
"What's so funny," Loki asked with this flat voice of his.
"You seem to have more control of your magic. Have you noticed?"
Loki made a humming noise, a surprised one, looking startled for a moment, before smoothing his features and placing a small pleasant smile on his lips, "I guess you are right."