The Avengers (Sequel to IASBIKATT) *on hold*

Chapter 19

A/N: Surprise!

He continued to look into the distance, lost in thought. Odin was in another Odinsleep, tired from sending Sif and the Warriors Three to Midgard to meet with Thor and Loki. He was sad when he witnessed the end of Athena, and felt pity for the fallen prince. He saw their interactions on Midgard, and how they craved to be with one another. He could almost feel Loki's grief and misery. Their love was a powerful thing.

So it was no surprise that their love saved Athena from death.

He knew what Thor was saying to the mortals and his friends and brother. He saw the small movement as well and had hope. Which was why he called for Frigga, the one who truly knew about magic.
"Heimdall?" The Queen approached his side. "Is there something wrong? Are Loki and Thor alright? Sif and the Warriors?"
"My Lady," he greeted, going straight to the point, "what do you know about love bringing people back to life?" Her breath hitched in her throat at the question. It couldn't be. . .
"Loki and Athena. . ." She realised. "Are their love really that powerful? What did you see?"
"Thor witnessed one of Loki's tears get absorbed into the skin of the fallen Athena. He saw her hand move only the slightest. But he has hope. Two mortals witnessed her hand move when they were to prepare her for the funeral."
"Oh my. . ." Frigga felt like fainting. Athena was still alive? Was there still hope?

***

She could hear distant talking through the darkness, though she couldn't distinguish who was speaking. She couldn't do much. She couldn't see, couldn't speak, couldn't move, and now she was having trouble hearing. What happened to her?
"If I remember. . .true love. . .life."
"Just. . .myth. . ."
". . .faith. . .legend. . .truth. . ."
What is going on? Athena thought to herself desperately. What is happening? I am going crazy, Odin, someone help me! Please, help me!

And it seemed the Valhalla were listening to her.

A bright light surged through, blinding her that she lifted her arm to block the light. She froze. She opened her eyes and saw she was able to move. She looked around, she was in a beautiful garden, the light shining down on her warmly. Where was she?

"My daughter. . ."

Her head snapped in the direction of the familiar voice she was surprised she didn't snap her neck from the sharp movement. "Mother? Father?"
Said people stood before her with bright smiles, looking alive and happy. She ran into the arms with a small cry, holding them to her tightly just like how they were with her. "How. . .I. . .oh my Stars. . ."
"My darling," she pulled away from her parents, her mother cupping her face gently, "What was the last thing you remember?"
"I. . ." Athena looked down thoughtfully. "I was with the Avengers and Thor. . .and Loki. . ." The memories came back to her. She gasped, looking at the worriedly. "Loki! Is he okay? The last thing I remember. . ."
"You died, Athena." Her father told her. "You took the shot instead of Loki. How else are you talking to us, my dear?"
Her eyes watered. "Loki's all alone?" Athena whispered. Her parents sighed, giving her warm smiles.
"Of course you don't care that you died," he scoffed lightly, "you're more concerned about the troublesome boy."
"Oh how all of you changed," her mother cooed, tucking a loose strand of hair away from Athena's face.
"So is this it?" Athena frowned. "I stay here now?" Her parents sent each other looks. "What?"
"Athena," her mother led the three to a stone bench that Athena didn't notice until then. Did her mother conjure that from nowhere?

"What do you know about the power of love?"

***

He sat beside her form, hand encased in her small cold one. After Thor telling the old story about True Love, everyone parted ways in an attempt to distract themselves while still think of a way to see if the myth was true. Loki simply stayed put, wanting to be with Athena. They allowed it, though there were guards outside of the room, in case something bad was to happen.
He sighed for what seemed like the millionth time, his free hand holding his head up where he leaned on the bed, staring at her peaceful face. It was the first time he saw her look peaceful. Recently he saw her look angry, panicked, or sad. She never had time to relax.
"Oh Athena," he sighed, pressing a lingering kiss to her knuckles, "I love you so much, I'm sorry for doing this to you." He went silent, absentmindedly rubbing circles on the back of her hand. There wasn't much he could do but wait. Wait for a sign, anything to tell him that he hasn't lost her fully yet.

***

She stared at her parents in surprise. "Our love did that? Can do that?" she exclaimed. "What. . .what about you two? How come the power of love. . ."
"The true power of love is very rare, Athena." her mother explained patiently, noticing the frown on her daughter's face. "It's a one in a million chance of couples getting that fortune."
"You guys deserve it, though!" Athena protested. "You protected our realm, and helped many people. . ."
"Why complain about this now? The past is in the past, we can't do anything about it now." her father said amused. She looked away with a pout. "I'm sorry we left your life so early, but if it were up to us, we would die all over again if it means yours and Loki's love saves you."
"So what do I do?" Athena asked them. "How do I go back?"
"You're put to test," her mother explained, "the Valhalla tests to see if you are worthy to go back -"
"I sacrificed my life for Loki -!"
"Don't complain, rules are rules." Athena looked away with a pout. "You just have to answer one question. One question only." She looked to her mother curiously. "Is he worth it?"
"Of course." Athena scoffed. "I love him, I would do it again if that happened."
"No, my dear." her father shook his head. "It's not that easy."
"What? Why?"
"You have to really think about this. After what you see, you must decide if he really is worth it, if you deserve to go back to the living." She was lost. She had no idea how to respond.
"The Valhalla will give you visions. Visions of past, present, and future. After witnessing all, you must decide whether you truly deserve to go back or if you had done your time."
"I'm confused. . ." was all she was able to say, feeling frustrating tears appear, "I don't know. . .I just want to be with Loki. . ."
"I know," her mother whispered, bringing Athena into her arms. "Trust us, everything will make sense soon."
"Come," her father held his hand out for her, "they await for you."
After consoling herself, she look to the two parents, and grabbed their hands. Together, they walked to Athena's fate.

A/N: Sorry it's so short, but I wanted to post something since it's 2019 now!! Confused after reading that chapter? Don't worry, I am. I'm kind of winging it at the moment. I forgot where I was heading for this story so it's going to take a while for the story to end. Soz...hope you somewhat enjoyed this surprise!😅