The Guardians

Chapter 6

Loki walked along behind Odin, who was leading him to the bifrost. He still had the magic binding cuffs on and now wore a muzzle. He was unsure if it would be taken off before he was given to his husband.

He had signed the contract the night before and was being delivered that day. Odin had said something about not wanting Zeus to back out until it was already done.

When they got to Olympus, Loki's eyes were wide with awe. It was truly more beautiful than Asgard, which was saying something. The temples were all different sizes, but each were made of expensive materials and amazing architecture.

They got to the signing room and Odin led him inside, where he got the first good look at his husband. He looked angry, but Loki couldn't tell if it was on Loki's behalf or because he realized he was being married to a criminal.

When he was handed over, he was surprised at how gently he was handled, even when it was obvious he was a criminal. Several of the Greeks were sending him sympathetic looks, and they quickly ushered Odin into a study away from Loki.

As soon as Odin was gone, Perseus turned his attention to Loki. He reached up and undid the muzzle before undoing the cuffs. "Are you hurt?" he asked once Loki was free.

Loki shook his head. "No, but thank you."

Perseus nodded, his green eyes searching Loki's own. "Why?" he asked, gesturing to the muzzle.

Loki looked at the ground as he answered. "My father feared I would try to manipulate you," he said.

Perseus frowned. "The cuffs?"

"They were to block my magic."

Perseus's eyes lit up in rage before he calmed himself. "Come with me, Loki. As my husband, you need to meet my Guardians."

Loki frowned in confusion but took the arm offered as they disappeared in a flash of light.

When the light subsided, they were in a camp of some sort. Set up around the clearing were black tents. In the center was a campfire and there were training areas to the sides.

Perseus called, "I'm back!"

From the tents came a group of Midgardians. They all wore black clothing and eyed him critically. "This is your husband?" A blonde asked.

Perseus nodded. "Everyone, this is Loki. Loki, this is Annabeth, Lou Ellen, Katie, Travis, Connor, Harley, Damian, Leo, Calypso, Wanda, Pietro, Max, Clarisse, Jason, Piper, Nico, Will, Reyna, Gwen, Shelby, and Kayla." As he spoke, he gestured to each of the people. "They are the Guardians. The Guardians protect the innocent and keep the peace."

Loki bowed his head politely. "Pleasure to meet you all," he said softly.

After the introductions, Loki found he got along fairly well with the Guardians. They loved his magic and Wanda even asked if he could teach her some.

Soon, it was nightfall and Perseus retired with Loki to his tent, where they talked some more. Loki told Perseus everything about what he had done, and Perseus comforted him. He didn't blame him or judge him. He just held him close and whispered soothing words in his ear.

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It had been a week since Loki came to stay with the Guardians and he found that he was accepted easily there. It was very different from how he had been treated on Asgard, even before the incident. He was welcomed and they enjoyed his pranks and his sense of humor.

He also found himself growing more fond of Perseus, or Percy, as the god preferred to be called. He wasn't sure why the god was so kind to him, even after knowing what he'd attempted, but he was grateful. He spent most of his time with Percy, unless the god was busy, during which time he spent with Blaise and Wanda, teaching them magic.

It was during one such lesson that the Guardians received a visitor.

"Brother!" Thor called, engulfing Loki in a hug.

Loki smiled warmly. "Thor. It is good to see you. Come, meet the Guardians."

Thor got along well with Clarisse, which was no surprise. They both had similar interests, like bashing heads in. Thor spent the day with Loki, interrogating him about how Percy was treating him and if he was happy.

Before Thor left, he gave Loki his daggers and staff. "Father doesn't know I brought these," he explained quietly.

Loki thanked him and sheathed the daggers at his belt, holding his staff in his left hand and casting a spell to make sure his connection to it hadn't faded. It hadn't, luckily.

Thor left, promising to visit again in another week. Loki smiled fondly as he was engulfed in rainbow light. Thor had truly changed for the better after his time on Midgard.

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Sorry for the short chapter. I'll make sure the next one is longer.