To Be Reborn The Butterfly

Odin moaned quietly in pain as a healer brought him a tonic for his headache. Three days into Loki’s curse and a quarter of the kingdom had petition the King to divorce. Odin had no choice but to put a kingdom-wide moratorium on any and all divorces for an entire year. His people need to work through their issues. Odin was coming to find the brutal honesty of his people off-putting, upsetting, and downright depressing. For the first time in his long life, Odin is discovering what mindless sycophants his councilors and advisors truly are. Odin is beginning to feel the bitterness Loki has felt all these years. No wonder his younger son went mad from all this. Praise the Norns Loki exempted him and Frigga from the curse, though he suspects Loki did that more for Frigga’s benefit than his.
“My King, the people will not be pleased by your decree.”
“I’m not doing it to PLEASE them, I am doing it for their own good. Wives need to find another way to handle their husband’s infidelities than abandonment. Husbands need to work to regain their wives trust. I know not all marriages can be salvaged, but some can, and if after of year of hardship they still cannot reconcile I will reconsider these requests.”
“You are too old to be King and have gotten a little fat.”
“THANK YOU Boremier for that useless assessment! Get out!” Odin boomed. That’s it. That is the last straw. “Wait! Go tell my son that his coronation will take place in three days hence. Hopefully this time there won’t be any interuptions.”
“My King? Truly? Thor is to be crowned?”
“Yes, because you are right. I am too old, and FAT. Besides Thor has changed much in these last couple of years. His petulant attitude is gone and he has learned the consequences of desiring war. Now that Loki is at his side to guide him through diplomatic matters, and the mundane business of running the kingdom, I believe he has everything he needs to succeed.”
“But that would make Loki Queen and the people are hating him just now.”
“The sooner they get used to the idea, the better.”
XxXxXxXxXx

Loki is covered in sweat as he dodges another blow. It feels good to spar with his brother again and do some manly activities. They are both bare-chested in the bright sunshine. They also have an audience. Loki has noticed how quiet and contemplative the Asgardians have become in the last couple of days. With his curse of the tongue in effect, most avoid speaking unless absolutely necessary for fear they will blurt out some hidden truth, be it deeds or thoughts. Last night’s meal in the grand hall had been silent as the grave. The inner turmoil and self-reflection was written on every face. Without the loud boisterous partying, storytelling, lying, boozing atmosphere the people were for once forced to think about their lives. Most grimaced with unhappiness. Loki smiles at the thought. He is as much the God of Honesty as he is the God of Lies.
Loki thinks about his other titles. He is the God of Chaos and yet he is better suited to diplomacy, running the kingdom, and maintaining order than Thor. As Queen it will be his duty to prevent Chaos. As for being the God of Mischief, well, what is life without whimsy? Using his powers as the God of Lies is truly the ultimate prank. It is epic and awesome in its scope. Loki’s whole body vibrates with contentment.
“What is making you smile so Loki?” Thor asks.
“The misery of the people.” Loki grins.
“Loki….” Thor admonishes.
“What? It’s true. These people are finally seeing themselves as they truly are. When they speak they betray themselves, and when they keep their mouths closed they are force to think about all the terrible things they have done. Either way, they cannot escape themselves. It makes me happy.”
“Is this how you felt all these years?”
“Yes.” Loki ducks as Thor swings a practice blade at him.
“You did not exempt me from the curse. Do you not fear what I might say?”
“If you manage to reveal any secrets I will be incredibly surprised. You have always been open and honest about your feelings. Your naivety and honest goodness is what is sparing you from feeling misery.”
“Well then is there anything you would have me confess? Is there anything about me which you do not already know?” Thor asks as he lunges forward. He misses again. Loki is very spry.
“How do you feel about the whole ‘Steven’ thing? I want to know if you are still hurt, or if you have forgiven me.” Loki says as he tries to attack Thor. He doesn’t succeed. They both know each other’s moves too well.
“I am still hurt. I want children. Every time I think about you lying beneath him….” Thor roars and attacks again. Loki pirouettes out of the way, but just barely.
“Do you understand my reasons why at the time?”
“I do, but I still find I cannot accept them. If it had been me, you would be with child now. I would have made sweet love to you and given pleasure unparalleled. That it was given to you by another, even a friend, angers me.”
“I have noticed a touch of jealousy in our lovemaking. You love coming inside me and then spreading my legs to watch it drip out. It’s like you need me to see it.”
“I do. I will have you know that you are mine and not Steven’s.”
“I am yours Thor. Steven only loved a specific part of me. Not all of me, as you do. Now that I have my memories back, I am myself again.”
“But you’re not. SHE still resides in you, in fact, is still a large part of who you are.”
“Yes, I have incorporated her into myself. It is true. I had to. My base form is still female. But more than that she gave me new perspective and a new sense of sanity. It is ultimately because of her that I am able to be here with you.” Loki lunges and Thor chooses not to move. Loki knocks him on his back and they fall to the ground together. Loki is on top.
“I still want babies.” Thor says.
“I know darling, but we have to wait.” Loki says softly. He kisses Thor sweetly to assuage his pain.

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

It all looks really familiar. Loki looks around and feels like he’s been here before. He has, but she hasn’t. There are no frost giants coming this time. No interruptions. She stands on the dais in a beautiful gown. The difference in today’s ceremony is that she will be crowned Queen after Thor is crowned King. Thor comes parading down the aisle again like before, although the arrogance is gone. He kneels like last time and Odin begins his speech.
“….I Odin the Allfather proclaim you Thor…” (Pauses and looks at Loki as if to say, You’re not going to interrupt again me are you?) “….King of Asgard.” Odin places a crown on Thor’s head and the crowd erupts into cheers. It is done. Thor turns to face the people and is given a second crown. He looks at Loki expectantly who takes her place kneeling at his feet on the stairs.
“As your new King, it is my first act and greatest honor to crown my wife Loki, Queen of Asgard.” He places the crown atop her head and she turns to face the people. No one claps. Not out of politeness or sincerity. No one claps. It is an honest response.
“Well, that was a mood killer. Come husband, let’s force our people to interact socially and converse with one another. We can get drunk and laugh while they bare their souls and their secrets.”
“Aye.” Thor replies.
The coronation feast goes little better than the wedding feast. The majority of people at the gathering are either silent or shouting at one another. It is not the celebration Loki wanted for Thor. She decides to take action and lighten the mood. While on Midgard Loki had taken up several artistic pursuits including piano playing and dance. Loki remembers the music video of a song she likes and decides it will be a perfect distraction for the crowd. She stands to address them.
“As your new Queen it is my honor to bestow a gift to my new King and husband. I have decided to dance for you. Servants please be so kind as to clear the floor.” Loki says. The servants act moving people, tables, and chairs out of the way creating a wide space for Loki. Loki uses her magic to conjure up a glowing sphere of sorts, very reminiscent of a disco ball. But this ball is the source from which the Midgardian music will emanate. She changes her dress to something in the style of the 1950’s and conjures up a male clone of herself to dance with. He’s in a tux. They take their positions as the sound of Safe and Sound by Capitol Cities begins to play.
The guests look on as Loki squared breaks out in every popular dance move of the last American century. Loki projects a crowd of Loki’s paired off and in different dress all doing different dance styles. Every single one is smiling. The people are astonished. They have never seen their reserved prince dance let alone bust a move. It is joyous, sensual, and freeing. He and she both move with grace and exuberance and all the guests are smiling in spite of themselves. The song concludes and all the illusions and clones disappear. Loki is standing alone on the dance floor in a ballerina costume looking incredible. The room erupts into applause. How could they not? They have never seen anything like that before and Loki was the epitome of grace. It was a joyous dance befitting a joyous occasion. The people quickly forget their own miserable lives and commence with drinking and feasting like they should. Loki returns to her seat.

Notes