A Feather's Trick ➸ Loki fanfiction

Chapter 20

Falling out of the Bifrost was never a pleasant experience. Being knocked out of it violently even less so. I groaned, unwilling to open my eyes to face whatever place I had wound up at.

I heaved, pushing myself up. I rubbed my arm, noticing blood. I hadn't seen that in a long time. But then again, Hela was a far bigger threat than any others I'd faced.

I took a moment to observe my surroundings. It looked to be an artificial planet, reminding me vaguely of a sleazier version of Wakanda. I looked to have landed very near a city. I spent some time deciding if I should head towards or away from it. It had to be better than the junkyard I found myself in.

I briefly appreciated the fact that I hadn't been tied up yet, as most of my endeavors ended. I was surprised by how empty it was, the only sound being machines. I walked towards the city slowly, looking for anything I could use on the way. The feeling of being stared at forced me to halt.

I whipped my head around, ready to catch the observer in the act. But there was nothing. I narrowed my eyes. This didn't seem to be that high tech of a planet. Whoever was watching me would make a mistake, and I would catch them.

The edge of the city consisted of guarded gates. I expected I could sneak in somehow under ordinary circumstances. In my current state however... I'd have to go in the front. I stopped clutching my arm, and sauntered over with an air of confidence.

"Halt." One of the guards ordered. I did as I was told. A sort of colourful marketplace was bustling with activity behind them. "What business do you have here?"

"I..." I trailed off, as a group of creatures brought another in a trap in.

"A fighter for the Grandmaster." One of them said. The other guard nodded, and they walked through.

"I am here to speak to the Grandmaster." I announced. The guard leered down at me. I held his gaze. The good thing with not knowing anything about the place; I didn't know if there was anything to be afraid of. The guard motioned to another behind the gate.

"Take this one to the Grandmaster." He ordered. The other one nodded. Hopefully this Grandmaster would like to speak with me.

"Follow me." He turned quickly. I had to walk quickly to match his pace, which was no easy feat with the amount of people who kept getting in our path. Anytime I thought about slipping away, he would turn around, waiting for me to catch up.

The closer we got to the center of the city, the more detailed the main tower became. It wasn't just a stack of trash. It seemed to have faces. One almost looked like the Hulk. I shook my head.

I followed the guard into the tower, bemused by the fact it seemed to be a reception lobby.

"Wait here." He gestured towards the chairs. I nodded in response. I watched him go behind a door.

It couldn't have been more than five minutes when a different guard came to me, he said nothing and led me to the elevator. We went up to almost the top floor. He pushed me out and left.

"Luft." A voice exclaimed with joy. I turned to meet it and my eyes widened.

"Pietro?" I ran to him, jumping into his arms. "Where are we? Am I dead?" I asked and he chuckled. I stared into his electric blue eyes, memorizing every detail. "I should've done this sooner." I murmured, staring at his lips.

His eyes grew slightly. I leaned in, my lips brushing against his. He seemed stunned, but eventually started kissing me back. As he did so, his lips felt... different. I broke away from him, my brows furrowed.

"Luft..." Loki smiled sheepishly.

"Loki!" I seethed, pushing him back. "Where's Pietro?" My hands formed into fists.

"I'm afraid he was never here." He admitted. My heart broke as though I had watched him die once again. "I didn't think you would want to speak to me." He rubbed the back of his head. I punched him in the jaw.

"You were right about that." I thought I was over my violent phase.

"Ow. Perhaps I deserve it." He held his jaw.

"You shouldn't have done that." I went to punch him again, but he grabbed my wrists. I started to sob. "You shouldn't have done that." I repeated, resting my closed fists against his chest.

"I know. I'm sorry." He brushed my hair. I looked up at him, laughing slightly noticing his discomfort.

"How did you even know about him?" I hiccuped.

"Thor told me about him."

"He did what?"

"Well I asked." Loki defended his brother.

"Why would you ask that?" I mumbled. Loki's mouth opened and closed.

"We should go. I have to introduce you to the Grandmaster." He said finally.

The way Loki spoke of him intrigued me more and more. He told me to be on my best behaviour, which was rich coming from him. By the time we did meet the Grandmaster, I was sure he would be as strict as Odin. Needless to say, I was shocked when he joked around more than Tony Stark and Ultron. He seemed to take a liking to me, praising Loki before dismissing us.

Upon returning to his quarters, I bombarded Loki with questions. He explained that we were on Sakaar, and that time passed differently. He said that he'd only been there for about a week, whereas it had been a few moments for me. The Grandmaster hosted a Contest of Champions. Anyone who landed on in outside of the city was either a fighter or food.

"I'm glad I found you when I did." He brushed his hand against my cheek. I smacked it away, glaring at him.

"Yeah. You found me." I mocked him. He sighed. "You still haven't explained how you're alive."

"I think I've explained enough for one day haven't I?" He tried to back out of it. I knew him. If that was his excuse, the explanation would be something he had done wrong.

"Loki..." I warned.

"I may have faked a certain someone's sacrifice." He began.

"A certain someone?" My eyebrow rose.

"My own. I faked my death."

"Why would you do that?" I threw my hands in the air in frustration.

"So I could rule Asgard." He replied feebly. I froze.

"Loki."

"Yes, Luft?"

"How long were you 'ruling' Asgard?" I asked, a hint of a threat evident in my voice.

"A few years..."

"You never thought to get me from Earth?" I yelled.

"I thought it would blow my cover." He argued. I laughed sarcastically.

"Of course. Because it's all about you isn't it. I bet you even had a statue made." I said bitterly. His silence confirmed my statement. "You know Thor asked me about my feelings towards you?"

"What did you say?" His curiosity was piqued.

"No one could care for Loki as much as himself." I lied venomously.

"Luft, I'm sorry." He apologized.

"You're just sorry you got caught." I muttered, turning my back on him.