A Second Chance: Chap. 5 - Father and Son

Thor had been chosen to take care of the castle while Odin was out. "As the direct heir to the throne, I trust you to protect our home while I'm absent", Odin had told him. The first son of Odin nodded in agreement, looking at to Loki who stood waiting for any orders. They came sooner than he expected.

"You, my son…", Odin told him, "I want you to come with me!"

Loki had widened his eyes after hearing such words. Odin had asked the presence of five warriors and 4 guards and now was asking for his company. Thor smiled to him and left, Mjolnir ready to protect the castle if needed, Loki's scepter with him if he needed to protect his king.

That done, they left for the Forgotten Realm in their horses, Sleipnir's eight legs moving majestically next to Hela, their owners silent as they realized the air becoming heavier and heavier… The guards were in front of them, making sure to stay close and the warriors stood around their King and Prince, swords claiming for blood.

"Your brother told me about how you won the race yesterday", Odin said suddenly, without facing Loki: He had to stay vigilant.

"Yeah, it was… Exciting, I guess"

"He also told me about your conversation with Lady Sif."

Loki looked down, not knowing what to say. Was his father mad at him? "Father, I'm…"

"You don't need to apologize, Loki", Odin answered instantly and Loki looked at him. "I've been seeing what you've been through these last weeks… You knew it wouldn't be easy to be forgiven-"

"I am aware of that-"

"-But you managed to hold it all for very long. Everyone needs a break and I'm proud that you managed to control youself"

Loki swallowed hard, his heart skipping a beat. "I… I almost lost my mind again"

"But you didn't!", Odin answered and this time looked at him, smiling "You'll get over it all, my son. I believe in you"

Allfather's last words hit the God of Mischief with such a tremendous force that he froze, just repeating it again mentally. There was a reason to control himself, a very good one. More than his brother and mother, his father had just confirmed that he truly believed in him. The person he most wanted to make proud was by his side and that meant more to Loki than anyone could ever imagine. However, his past deeds still wounded him and if he couldn't believe in himself how could he truly change?

"Father, I…", he started, "I truly regret what I've done. But I… I just can't forget it. I fear that… That…"

"That you may lose control again?" Odin completed. Loki looked away, ashamed. "Have you forgot that your brother was the responsible from starting a new war with the Frost Giants? And yet, he managed to change and won a second chance. We all make mistakes, Loki. That's why… I want to ask you for forgiveness".

Loki stared at his father with confusion. "Forgiveness? For what?"

"For being dishonest with you. It was my fault that you lost yourself, Loki. I lied to you without thinking about how you would feel about it when faced with the truth. I acted ignorantly for a king but worst than that I acted ignorantly for a father. Please, forgive me"

"Father…" Loki managed to say after a few attempts. He couldn't believe in what he had just heard. Allfather Odin asking for forgiveness? "You did nothing wrong. There's nothing to be forgiven for. I understand that now"

"No, you don't" Odin said and Loki blinked a few times, surprised "You're too ashamed, thinking that all you said wasn't true. But it was, Loki. I made a big mistake for lying to you during all this time… Now I just want you to forgive me. I'll understand, however, if you don't"

Loki smiled to himself, not really understanding the feeling that was racing through his mind and body. Instead of trying to understand it, he just answered "Being with you is all I ever wanted, father. To have your trust is enough for me to forgive you for all eternity"

Odin smiled to his son, a warm feeling being felt in both of the men's soul. To describe what they felt at that very moment is hard and putting it in words is a impossible task for the one who's writing this. I'll leave it up to your imagination, dear reader, for I am nothing more than a mere mortal and can't fully understand it.

A few minutes later, the King of Asgard and his son, accompanied by nine other men, reached the place. It looked even darker than it did an hour ago and it felt hard to breathe. Odin told everyone to stop and he alone entered the mist, staring at the misterious footsprints in front of him. He had never seen such a big and shapeless footsprint like that and a bad feeling made his chest burn with worry. He called Loki.

"Yes, father?"

"You said there are more ways into our Realm besides the Bifrost. Which one did you use to bring the Frost Giants into Asgard?"

Loki bit his lips, hating himself once again. But his father meant no harm, it was for the best of the Realm. "It's far from here. It lies in an underground entrance so they would be able to cross the Kingdom without being seen"

"Could you take us there?"

"Yes, but I don't see how that would help us. I closed the entrance and being I the last one to contact it I am the only one that can open it again"

"So this one way can only be opened with magic, I assume?"

"Entirely magic. I would have felt if it had been, somehow, opened again"

"What about the other ways into Asgard? Do you know any other of them?"

"I know two more, but never could open them as much as I tried"

"Good. I want you to take four of my men with you there. If you sense any danger, please, don't hesitate on coming back. We have to prepare ourselves in case there are any enemies around but getting killed isn't the best way to do so."

Loki nodded in agreement. This was more than important, the Realm's safety depended on him. He swore to himself he would do what it took to protect his home and the last thing he heard before leaving with a few warriors and guards were his father's words:

                                    "Please, my son… Be careful"