Merchant and Mischief
Loki suspected something had happened with Hela but whatever it was she would not say. He had never imagined something could shake the goddess of death but if he were to make a guess he’d say it had to do with her son. Anthony may be a god but gods could be killed. Yet from what he understood of what had happened Anthony had not been killed by a weapon that should have been able to. It was to be expected with who his parents were that Anthony would be an extremely powerful god. Though until now there had been no sign of any extraordinary abilities.
He had only one way of getting answers and so after many failed attempts to properly speak with Hela he’d decided to go to Anthony. He’d been followed by one of his children at all time since the incident but now it seemed the group had finally decided they needn’t watch him constantly. Though seeing Anthony watching the news that was covering the results of that day wasn’t all that much better. Rogers and Romanoff had been arrested and were denied bail, Pym and Van Dyne were released but were forbidden from approaching Anthony or any of his properties, and it seemed the only smart ones among the rogues was the two birds and the ant. Though Loki still thought they should suffer as well for their part in harming Anthony. Hela seemed to think differently as the hawk had a family, the ant had a child, and the other bird hero was not as much at fault.
“Anthony, I see your shadows have wandered off.”
That earned a chuckle.
“Yeah the kids finally accepted I’m not dying anytime soon. Been watching the news, trying to talk to the guy hiding out in my head, you know the usual.”
Loki looked at him confused.
“I fear I do not understand.”
Tony groaned as he turned off the TV.
“So I guess whatever happened to the witch I did, or at least some version of me. Stephen said he talked to another me. I’ve been trying to figure out if he’d lost his mind or not.”
Loki considered that and when combined with how shaken Hela had been perhaps it was true. He sat down next to Anthony wondering if he could learn the truth.
“May I try something?” He asked causing Tony to look his way.
“Oh su-”
Tony’s eyes rolled up into his head as he passed out. Loki was startled and moved to check on the genius only to have his entire body freeze.
Really he is far to trusting. I’d rather you not try and look in our head. If you wanted to talk dear uncle you need only say so.
Standing over the collapsed genius was a double of him, one that seemed to be one with the darkness with red bleeding out to form the tie of his suit. The double reached down and gently ran his fingers through Anthony’s hair before glowing blue eyes turned his way.
I really would rather not have to do this again. He is not ready to meet me yet though I am curious why you are so eager to meet me. Perhaps curiosity?
“I thought perhaps you were the reason Hela seemed so shaken.”
That caused the double to smirk.
“So use to being the one others feared she is unused to meeting one who dwarfs her in power. I am the Merchant of Death dear uncle, Merchant for short if you prefer. Now if you wish to speak with me you will not do so through my other half. Pick a word to say and I shall answer but you will not approach our dear Iron God again.
“And how shall you know when I speak this word?”
The Merchant laughed.
I will know. Now what word will you pick, I have high hopes that it shall be entertaining, you are a god of mischief after all.
Loki decided to smirk as he looked at the Merchant.
“Performance issues.”
The Merchant burst out laughing.
I knew there was a reason you were my favorite. The god of mischief, king of chaos. Oh I do hope you call often, I will never be bored. So, it seems I have you to thank for the wonderous manipulations planned for those that dared to harm us.
“Hela had plenty of ideas of her own but this kind of thing is a specialty of mine.”
Indeed, and for that I owe you dear uncle. Name your reward and it will be yours.
Loki gave a bitter laugh.
“What I want you cannot give me.”
Oh? I already plan to serve Thanos’s head on a silver platter, what else in this universe could you want that I cannot grant you? Name it and I might just surprise you.
Loki hesitated, knowing what he truly wanted more than anything in this world would never be his. He’d live with the regret for the rest of his days.
Speak, I grow tired of your silence. Where are your words Silvertongue? The Merchant snapped grabbing Loki by the neck.
“I want my mother back!” He snapped. “But she is in Valhalla, far from my reach.”
The Merchant grinned as he released him and stood up to do a dramatic bow.
Well then dear uncle, the god of rebirth has heard your prayer.
The darkness disappeared and Loki breathed in like he hadn’t had fresh air in years. He went to check on Anthony to find him simply sound asleep, unaware of what had happened. He got up intending to go ask Hela about the Merchant only to stop as he came face to face with his mother.
“Mother?”
Frigga smiled at him just as she always had, the love in her eyes not a lie as he was her son no matter if they shared blood. He hugged her unable to stop the apologies that spilled from his lips or the tears from his eyes.
“It’s ok Loki, I know you didn’t mean those words. I knew you were just hurting.” Frigga reassured him that the cold words that had been his last were forgiven and forgotten.
It did not change his need to plead forgiveness, to make sure she knew that no matter what may happen she alone was his mother.
“Come Loki, let’s go let your siblings know that I’m back.”
“You are not upset that Hela is free from her prison?”
Frigga had a regretful look in her eyes as she shook her head.
“I never wanted Hela banished but Odin would not allow me to argue. Hela had already been sent away and if I wanted to remain with my son Thor I was not to argue further. I had no doubt he’d have banished me to if I had continued in protesting his actions. I could not lose both my children and I was not strong enough to challenge Odin.”
Loki silently cursed Odin’s name knowing the pain he’d caused Frigga. He held her tightly in his arms for a few moments longer before he pulled away.
“I believe they will be quite pleased to see you. When Anthony has woken I know Hela will be happy to introduce you to her son.”
Frigga looked taken aback by the news of Hela having a child and as Loki led her from the room she was already asking questions about her grandchild.