A Beautiful and Twisted Mind (Loki Fanfiction)

Epilogue

I was running through a dense forest. Everywhere I looked, it was green. Moss covered the damp ground, vines hung off the tall trees, and very little light was shining through the canopy. I stopped running to lean over and catch my breath. But in what was supposed to be a moment of releif, I heard a familiar laugh that made my skin crawl. I frantically turned and tried to find the source. Herco stepped out in front of me and I came to a halt. “You didn’t really think it was over did you?” he asked. Overwhelmed, I hit my knees and started to sob.

I woke up gasping and grabbing the sheets. I startled Loki into waking up. He reached for me instinctively.

“What’s wrong Alia? Are you having nightmares again?” he asked frantically.

"Loki," I started, finally able to regain my breath.

"It’s not over. Herco is still out there.”

I felt a lump form in my throat after I got the words out. I knew something was wrong when no one said anything about him. I knew when I woke up in that infirmary and thought of him, I should have said something. Why didn't I say something? Was I so selfish that I couldn't bear to stop the celebrations?

I hadn’t realized I was crying until Loki whipped them away. “Don't cry Alia. You're safe here. I'll protect you.” I was far too tired to try to talk so I just let Loki soothe me.

It wasn't easy to fall back asleep but it was possible. Thankfully, I escaped another bad dream.

But in the morning, we were faced with a real nightmare. The rainbow after the hurricane turned grey when Loki went and informed Odin about Herco. I had tagged along but stayed quiet, only speaking when Odin asked me to.

When we finished, Odin turned away from us.

“I’ll tell Heimdall immediately to keep an eye out. If anything happens, we'll know. In the meantime, remember that you were put under enormous stress and this could just be a result of that. Either way, you are safe here and under our protection. If the dreams continue, tell me or Frigga.” His voice was weak and clearly tired. After everything that's happened, Odin thought he was having a time of peace.

I hated myself for causing this. Why couldn't I just stay a prisoner my whole life? Or die? Instead, people I care about will suffer from constantly looking over their shoulder and Valhalla knows what else.

I quickly dashed out of the throne room to get some air. I heard Loki's feet against the floor as he jogged to meet up with me.

“Are you alright?” he asked.

I shook my head in absolute defeat. How could I be alright?

“It’s not over Loki. Everything felt so right and then it just… crashes. And it’s all my fault.”

I could feel my lip quiver and my jaw shake. My eyes were brimming with tears and I balled my fists. I didn't want to cry. But I looked up into Loki's eyes and he was expressionless. He had nothing to say.

My head fell into my hands and I allowed myself to cry. Finally, Loki moved towards me and pulled me into his chest.

“Alia it isn’t your fault. You saved everyone. You saved Asgard, you saved me, and you saved yourself. You managed to walk off that bridge with nothing but a scarred hand and some bruises. Everything will be fine. We’ll figure this out. But come on, let’s just go for a walk.”

I cleaned my face off with the bottom of my sleeve and shrugged.

"Sure... I could use a walk."

Loki led me out of the castle and we walked around Asgard with his hand on my back. People eyed us; some waving, others whispering. Not quite everyone was on board with the whole "Alia is a hero and Loki should be completely forgiven" train.