Loki, Unraveled|| NovaVerse 2

21|| A god among mortals

Word Count: 1,995

He scrunched his nose as the smell of Midgardian air filled his nostrils and stepped off the ship. It had been a three-day trip from Asgard to this drab mortal planet, and for most of the first day Natasha suffered from a hangover before she took over control later in the day. They switched flying, and whoever was sent to rest would lie in the cot beside Nova's.

In those three days that passed, she mostly remained unconscious, but had brief moments where her eyes would flutter open- usually glowing- and she would murmur about a Skotthrafn. Loki would stare at the ceiling and wonder if this was nothing more than random mumbling or something more. He would open his notebook, which was the only thing he brought with him, and write each warning Nova gave in the few minutes she was awake. Usually, after stating her warning, her glowing eyes would fixate on a spot on the wall. Natasha once tried to snap her out of it, shaking her shoulders lightly and calling out her name. She got blasted to the side, and Nova closed her eyes to slip back into unconsciousness once more.

Now, Nova was curled up in Loki's arms as he stepped onto Midgardian ground for the first time in over half a century.

He missed the sweet honey-like aroma that filled Asgard's air, and the grass that was as soft as silk compared to the excuse for plant life here on Midgard. But this was where Nova had first grown comfortable and safe, where she met her family. And Loki knew her stubbornness knew no bounds; if Nova could accept and thrive in this dingy little realm, then he would as well.

Then a blaster was aimed at his head.

"Wow, nice landing. You must be new here – usually, people knock before dropping in. But hey, welcome to Earth. Care for some coffee or just here to ruin my landscaping?" Natasha caught up to Loki and dropped her bag of supplies the moment she saw Tony, and his jaw dropped.

"Nat, you scared the hell out of us disappearing like that. Next time, just send a postcard or something, alright?" He smirked, walking towards her with open arms. They hugged tightly for a moment before he held her at arm's length, seriousness chasing away the sarcasm. "You're okay, right?"

Natasha nodded. "Never better."

He hesitated. Then, "And the kid? Is she here?"

Natasha turned and looked to Loki, who walked to Tony with Nova in his arms. Tony took in Nova's state, how worn down she looked. "What's going on with her? Who are you?" He pointed at Loki, giving him a calculated glare.

Loki puffed out his chest, looking down at Tony. "I am Loki, Prince of Asgard, rightful heir to Jotunheim, and-"

"-alright pal, I'll stop you there. I asked who you are, not your life story." Tony swiftly took Nova from Loki's arms and looked down at her, his face painted with concern. "She's ice cold," he muttered.

Natasha touched Tony's shoulder and whispered, "We need to get her to Bruce. He'll know how to help her."

Tony nodded. "JARVIS, alert Bruce that Nova and Natasha have returned, and to set up the Med Bay for a code Red-N. Get Steve ready outside with a stretcher and order some shawarma." Loki tilted his head. He had never heard of a "shawarma" before. Was it something only the direst medical cases need? Is it another code for something terrible?

"Natasha, should I fear the 'shawarma?'" he asked, picking up the pace so as to not fall behind. The grass crunched beneath his boots, even as they sunk into the soggy ground.

The wind carried the scent of gasoline, its tainted breath mingling with the air. "Not now, Loki."

Natasha led the way as Tony followed, with Loki trailing behind them, feigning confidence, and authority. But truth be told, he had no authority in this situation. He was not confident things would turn out alright. As of this moment, these Midgardians- mortals, who were meant to be the lowly subjects he was to rule over- had more control in this situation- had more value. He wasn't helpful in the least as of this moment.