Kaleidoscope

~ XXIII ~

Hi! Have another chapter, please – this one is on an angsty side, but what can you do *shrugs*. Here will be some side character briefly, but just because I want Loki to have his own friends – not Thor’s leftovers. Enjoy!

~o~0~o~

Loki may have been astonished by Odin's actions, but either way he had a plan for any consequences he may face in Asgard.
Even if he were to be killed, he had a way out.

But the way Odin threw him in a cell was really revealing about how Odin now saw him and felt about him. Loki swallowed his hurt, hardened his heart to never feel anything for that man again. Ever again. He may have sought Odin's approval or even a glance at his side his whole life, but well.
Odin showed his colors at last after so many lies and deceit. With final ‘Laufeyson’ which what Odin saw Loki as always apparently, Loki erased the great All Father from his life.

His mother... It was sad how she continued to always defend Odin's actions, seeing them as nothing but wise and just. It was disappointing to hear her put her care and love in the same basket as Odin's when they both knew it was untrue. But she closed her eyes on this, choosing her husband. That was hurtful. And until she stopped hypocrisy Loki would deny her, no matter how much it pained him.

Imprisonment Loki also considered. Even if sometimes it was boring, Loki had finally had time he so terribly lacked for the last years. Time to recover first. No one even suspected. Good.

No one knew Loki had something in his dimension pocket to level half of the palace to the ground. Heh. From the inside of the cell Loki would destroy everything if he so wished. But yes, he needed time to recover, to heal, to sleep, to practice some unique spells he overall didn't have time for. Loki could spend years in his cell easily. Then he could start to move.

Good when you have long term plans. No rash. His friends in Alfheim would be ready when he comes.

So Loki would wait and watch. Thor showed him his attention by forgetting Loki existed. Bravo, brother. After so many words. Like father, like son. Mourned they. Yeah, right.

Also, there could be a situation when those imbeciles would need his help, seeing as they were too stupid to use their brains.

That would be fun.

~o~0~o~

Would you look at that? The Avengers needed his help. Thor knew only the one who could help. If only they knew that even in chains Loki could run. They didn't even suspect, satisfied that their enemy was bound.

Loki quietly observes while put in a cell in Stark Tower. He decided to indulge them a little. After all, they played a role he gave them. And still not knowing about it.

~o~0~o~

Ailmar came when he heard Loki left Asgard, but didn't contact his father, the king of Alfheim. He worried there were complications. Loki, he negotiated of giving up the information about the threat of Thanos and a promise to fight beside them when the time comes. That for the citizenship and protection. Alfheim was completely independent from Asgard and didn't need anything from the Aesir. This way accepting the former prodigal prince of Asgard in their ranks predicted only pros.

Ailmar came, facing Loki in chains in the midst of mortals.

"Why are you here, my friend? We thought something happened. Years passed, but you still haven't come. And now you are here, among mortals... Is everything all right, Loki?"

"You don't need to worry. I'll be soon with you. But you have to leave. No need to complicate things-"

Too late. Thor run to them, the Avengers on his heels. Ailmar drew up his bow. With quick thinking he lied that he was Alfheim king's royal advisor (instead of a prince) and they better not start a fight. Thor faltered seeing him and with Loki no less.

"What need you from the prisoner? What lies had he spat?"

Ailmar kept silent. He knew he didn't dare to reveal Loki's position, but hearing Thor and seeing how Loki was mistreated was not something he expected nor imagined. It seemed Odinson in his blindness hadn't a clue of what happened to his brother, he now arrogantly called a prisoner. And Loki was silent.

Ailmar knew Loki would be in trouble as soon as he left. But Loki could have run long ago, but didn't. And he could always protect himself.

"How did he come here, Loki?!"
"What is your game?!"
"Speak, you sneak!"
"Are Midgard, Asgard, Jotunheim not enough for you?! Are you completely deranged?"
"You can be sure I'll find out the truth. And then you'll pay. I vow it."

It hurt when Thor spat his name like a curse and physically hurt him trying to make a point.

... Loki decided to stay as long as to make sure Thor was safe.

It still hurt though.

~o~0~o~

"So why don't you end me, huh, Odinson? Like your father wanted?”
"You do not deserve to sully Mjolnir by your filthy blood... Jotun.“

Loki was silent ever since. He didn't utter a single word after Thor's ones. Steve was disappointed in Thor. The mission went in dark mood for everyone. They returned subdued. Thor still manhandled Loki who looked numb, so Steve took the reins and took Loki himself instead. He saw how Thor threw Loki on the ground of a cell without care and how from time to time Loki held his back. It was wrong. Even if Loki was a criminal, he was helping. There was no need for needless violence. And now verbal abuse. Enough was enough.

Loki later in his cell sat quietly also thinking that enough was enough. He never thought Thor would be this cruel to him, to use his heartbreak against him.

Enough.

He kept Thor safe, tried to help, watched over him. And what has he got instead? Thor said he lied about speaking with Odin on his behalf. Said he would continue to rot in a cell for eternity. Tricked him.

Loki closed his eyes on many things, but on 'Jotun'... Not this time.

Seemed like his vacation was over and it was the time to go. Alfheim waited for him, he would bury himself in research and studying, in perfecting his spells. At least he won't be alone.

Ailmar would be there, his sister Sigyn. The king himself said he wanted to talk privately.

Loki had many things to do. Thor showed that he was capable to be peachy without his help. If he got into trouble, his mortal friends would watch over him. Thor showed he didn't need Loki, he didn't see him as a person anymore. Just a beast, a monster, caught and used.

Tomorrow night he would go.

And never come back.