Twisted in Ties (Loki x OC)

Chapter 59

I understood his sorrow and regret. He blamed himself for losing her before. Her scars had been bothering him. He blamed himself so heavily for everything that he felt he had to take up all the responsibilities he could to make up for it. It was his unfortunate sickness, and it was one that even I couldn't cure him of. I had been trying in many ways for so long, but his fixation was always there. 

Don't mistake his actions. His heart was in the right place, but it was also blinding him to the truth I knew was there. Our sister was a free spirit, one that I sensed couldn't be contained, even if our world was the most freedom she would ever hope for. We still lived in a bubble, but my brother didn't believe it to be one. 

Meanwhile, there was me. I was the hopeless pacifist, stuck in the middle of the brewing turmoil. I felt the dread of the truth, but I also felt overcome with lament. I wanted his wish to come true, but I wanted my sister to be who she was. I felt inside myself that both wishes could never come true, but I had promised Mother I would try. 

"Keep the peace, my sunflower. Keep them hopeful. Keep your heart. Remember, a strong heart will always prevail overall. Brutality and blades will not be your strength, my sunflower. You have a very different kind of strength. You have a beauty unmatched by most. Smile, my sunflower. Help them bloom as you do."

I closed my eyes as I sat there, listening to the sounds of nature around me. I let the wind carry away my worries and doubts. I smiled again after a moment. I would always follow Mother's guidance. I will be their bridge, Mother. I promise. I'll keep them happy. I'll help them understand. I can get them to come together. I know I can.

Izetta's POV

I returned back to the tree around sunset. I hadn't realized how long I had been gone. I arrived just in time for dinner. I saw Fawn cooking as Varick stood up. He spotted me and I could see his relief from a mile away. I chuckled as I landed and he rushed over.

"Where were you!? We asked you to stay close to home! You scared us!"

"Varick gets a little hypertense when things are thrown off, Sister. Perhaps you should gain a friend to notify us of your conditions when you leave without speaking with us, Izetta." Fawn chuckled. Varick shot a glare at her and she only chuckled again.

"Sorry. I didn't think I'd been gone for so long. I went swimming and exploring the waters around here. I'm fine. Besides, I can handle myself." I told them both.

"That's what I said, but our brother tends not to listen to reason." We both laughed a little as Varick growled in flustered annoyance.

"Whatever. Is it so wrong to be cautious?" 

"I think you're being overly cautious. You're starting to remind me of Dad." I said. This caused both of them to pause.

"You remember Father?" Fawn asked. It was then I realized what I had said.

"Oh! Oh no! Not our dad! I meant, um, well, my adoptive dad. He took me in on Earth." I saw Varick's gaze darken a bit as I spoke.

"But...how can he be a father figure? You were family with us much longer than any mortal you could've met." 

"Varick," Fawn warned quickly and quietly.

"No, no. I get it. I've been asked that before. It's pretty simple, honestly. He saved my life. He taught me everything I know about being a good person and being a hero. I've learned from all my friends. Tony is the best. I don't think anything could take his place. I hope that you both can meet him someday. Maybe he'll take you guys in too!" I joked. Varick frowned.

"We already have a father." He didn't seem too happy. I started to back-step, realizing that the air was tense.

"I understand. Let's just move on." I tried to play the oblivious card.