#Loki Episode 1 Feedback

[thighs-of-betrayal-blog]

A Change of Purpose- Part 2

Pairing: Loki x fem! Reader

Warnings: CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR LOKI EPISODE 3, angst/fluff, violence, weapons, cursing, slow-burn

A/N: Can we talk about episode 3? It was SO good! I literally ran to write this after I watched it. I was so excited lol. I can’t wait for next Wednesday! Also, I want to say a big thank you for all the support I’ve been getting on this series. It means the world! Y’all are freaking amazing. But, I hope you enjoy and as always, feedback is appreciated :) (The taglist for this series is still open- let me know if you’d like to be added!)

Link to Part 1: https://thighs-of-betrayal-blog.tumblr.com/post/654266789320146944/a-change-of-purpose-part-1

Gripping Loki’s hand as hard as you can, you let the portal drag you to wherever the Loki variant is headed. 

When the portal opens up, you fall to the floor in a heap, landing on top of Loki. 

“God, you had to fall right on top of me, didn’t you?” Loki mutters, face pressed into the floor. 

Lifting yourself off of him, you stand up and rub any dirt off your clothes. “Oh, I’m sorry. Next time we fall through a portal, I’ll remember to land next to you, instead of on top of you.” 

Pushing himself up with his arms, Loki stands and smirks at you. “Next time you are on top of me, it’s not going to be because you fell through a portal and had nowhere to land.” 

Staring at him, you roll your eyes. “I see your arrogance is here to stay.” 

“Always, darling,” Loki says before turning around and looking down the hallway. He gestures towards it with a slight nudge of his head. “C’mon, we’ve got a Loki to catch up to.” 

Planted in your spot, you cross your arms over your chest. “Who said I was coming with you? She sent us back here. I can stay and be the TVA agent I’m supposed to be.” 

Loki mimics you, crossing his arms over his chest. “Is that what you really want? Sounds kind of boring to me. Besides, if you help catch this Loki variant, wouldn’t you be doing your job? You’d probably get a promotion.” 

Thinking it over, you sigh, realizing he’s probably right. Or, deep down, maybe you just want to spend more time with Loki. You cross that thought out of your mind immediately. “Okay, fine. Lead the way.” 

“Wait,” he says, looking over at the lockers. Not catching on to what he’s doing, you stare at him confused. 

When he reaches one of the lockers, he yanks it open and grabs two knives. 

“Seriously?” you ask. 

“Can never be too sure. We might need these,” he responds, placing them in his back pocket. 

Right after that, he takes off running, with you following closely behind. 

A minute later, you’re stopped by his arm, which he’s put out to prevent you from moving forward. Looking ahead, you realize you’ve reached the variant. 

Immediately, the variant pulls out a knife and points it at the two of you. In response, Loki grabs the two knives out of his pocket, flipping them in the air and catching them. “Hasn’t even been five minutes and these are already coming in handy,” he says, winking at you. 

Your heart flutters and you have to physically shake your head to erase the images drifting through your mind of him using those knives. 

When your inappropriate thoughts finally disappear, you see that Loki and the variant are fighting. 

Running up to them, you grab your stick off your back, preparing to help Loki. 

“You’re not going anywhere!” Ravonna says, coming up from behind you with a TVA agent on either side of her. “And, you!” She points her stick at you. “What are you doing?” 

“Back off or I’ll kill him,” the variant says, effectively cutting that conversation off before you can answer. When you look back over at her and Loki, you see she’s holding a knife to Loki’s chest. 

“Go ahead. He means nothing to me,” Ravonna responds. 

Looking between Ravonna and Loki, you’re unsure of what to do, until you notice Loki pulling out a tempad. 

He looks up at you and nods towards his left hand. When you look down at his hand, he’s gesturing for you to go up to him. 

Hesitating, you look back over at Ravonna, who’s staring at you, a displeased look on her face. 

“If I wasn’t fucked before, I surely am now,” you whisper, running towards Loki and grabbing his hand, right as he presses on the tempad, causing a portal to open up under the three of you. 

You let out a shriek as you fall through.

---

You teleport into a vessel-like ship, as loud eruptions go off outside. 

The variant is standing on the other end of the room, her knife still directed towards the two of you. “I thought it was just you I had to kill,” she says, gesturing towards Loki. “But, I guess I have to kill you too.” She smirks at you.  

Next to you, Loki is slowly coming to, not comprehending where he is. 

The variant uses this to her advantage, walking up towards Loki and placing her hands on him. 

He stares at her, expression blank. “Are you trying to enchant me?” 

“Yes,” she says, keeping her hands on him. “Why isn’t it working?” 

“Maybe because my mind is too powerful. Nice try though.” He removes her hands off him and she steps back, evaluating him.

The ground outside shakes and you lose your balance, bumping into Loki. He wraps his arm around you, holding you in place. 

“Where are we?” you ask, ignoring the warmth coming from his grasp. 

“Well, your idiot friend here sent us to Lamentis-1, a planet that’s about to be destroyed by a moon. But hey, I guess that’ll save me the work of killing you myself.”

“So sorry about that. It wasn’t like I had much time to pick which lovely apocalypse we’d be sent to.” 

The variant chuckles. “Such a funny guy, aren’t we?” 

“You’re telling me,” you mutter, causing Loki to whip his head to the side to look at you, an incredulous expression on his face. 

“And, here I was, thinking we were becoming friends.” 

“Aw, trouble in paradise?” the variant asks, looking between the two of you. “So sad, but unfortunately, I have no desire to watch you two bicker. Now, give me the tempad and I won’t kill the both of you.” 

“You want it?” Loki asks, stepping forward. When she reaches out to grab it, he uses his magic to make it disappear out of his hand. 

“Looks like you’ll need us, if you want to get off this planet,” he says, smirking at her. 

As another blast hits the ground, the variant curses. “Shit, okay. Hurry up, we need to find something to charge it with.” 

Loki gestures towards the door. “After you… Loki.” 

“Don’t call me that,” she responds, turning around to exit the vessel. 

“What should we call you then?” you ask, moving closer to Loki. 

Turning her head to face both of you, she smirks. “You can call me Sylvie.” 

---

After running into an unfortunate encounter with a woman and a very large blasting machine, the three of you are now in line, waiting to get onto a train that’ll take you to the evacuation vessel, which you’ll use to charge the tempad. 

“I have a plan,” Sylvie says, getting ready to pull out one of her weapons. 

“No, we use my plan this time. My non-violent plan,” Loki says, looking over at you for approval. 

“Non-violent? Sounds good to me,” you respond, checking out how many guards are around. 

Loki touches your shoulder and leans in towards you, his lips mere inches from your ear. “I’m going to change into something even sexier. Brace yourself, I know you might not be able to handle it.” 

When he pulls away and moves over towards your other side, you look to see he’s dressed as a guard. “That’s your plan?” you ask. 

He nods. “Brilliant, isn’t it?” 

“Just peachy. Let’s go,” Sylvie says, grabbing Loki’s arm and pulling him towards the train entrance. You follow, a few steps behind. 

Loki stops and looks back at you, extending his hand for you to hold. You take it, not hesitating for a second. 

As you approach the entrance, he squeezes your hand, using his magic to transform you into a guard, just like himself. 

“What are you…” 

“Hi, there. Tickets, please,” one of the guards says, extending his hand for you to place the tickets in. 

“Yes, my wife and I...” he gestures towards you. “...We’re tasked with escorting this woman.” He nudges Sylvie and grins. “She got into a little trouble. Needs supervision.” 

“I don’t know if that’s…” 

Before the guard can finish his sentence, Sylvie grabs his arm, enchanting him. 

“Everything okay here?” another guard asks, walking up to you. 

“Yes,” the other guard says. “This woman is being escorted.” He steps to the side, allowing you to enter the train. “Have a nice ride.” 

When you board, the three of you find a table to sit at. 

“Wife?” you ask, your eyebrow raising in question. 

“Would that be so bad?” Loki asks, grinning at you. 

“Not at all”, you think to yourself. However, instead of saying that, you say nothing. 

Clearing his throat, Loki directs his attention to Sylvia, masking the hurt he feels from your rejection. 

“So, Sylvia, do you have a beau waiting for you after all of this is over?” 

Sylvia snorts. “Oh yeah, I have a postman waiting for me while I travel between apocalypses. Keeps the relationship exciting… What about you? You’re a prince. That’s quite a catch. You must have had your fair share of some princesses or perhaps a prince?” 

“A bit of both. I suspect the same as you.” 

Learning more about Loki than you ever thought you would, you smile, your head resting in your hand. 

“Nobody ever really makes the cut though, do they?” Sylvie asks. 

Loki looks down at the table and sighs. “No, never. Although…” He looks over at you, an expression on his face that you can’t quite grasp. “Nevermind.” 

Disappointed at his lack of an answer, you look away from him. 

“I’m going to relax in my own way. Why don’t you do the same? Y/N, join me at the bar?” he asks, standing up. 

“Yeah… um, we’ll see you soon,” you say to Sylvie. 

“Bye,” she says, waving at you. “Try not to make a scene.” 

---

Making a scene is exactly what you end up doing. Perched on a stool at the bar, you and Loki drink your troubles away, tossing back shot after shot. 

A new song starts to play and Loki puts his hand out for you to take. “Dance with me.” 

Placing your hand in his, you let him guide you onto the dance floor. He wraps his arms around your waist, pulling you flush against him, his hips rolling into yours as he dances to the music. 

“I don’t know why I’m doing this,” he says, looking into your eyes. “You’ve made it blatantly clear that you’re not interested.” 

“What do you mean?” you ask, heart hurting from his words. 

“I thought maybe you saw me as something other than what everyone else sees. You’ve risked your life to follow me, and I thought that there could be a reason for that, a reason other than trying to take me back to the TVA. I guess I was wrong though. Wouldn’t be the first time.” 

His confession makes you take a step back, your mind reeling from what he just said. 

“Honestly… I don’t… I don’t exactly know why I had an urge to follow you at first. But, I definitely know it wasn’t because I wanted to bring you in,” you admit, reaching your hand out to grip his upper arm. 

You don’t know what drove you to just say that, but you can’t back away now. Not when his expression changes and he looks at you, his eyes darkening while he clenches his jaw. 

“What’re you trying to say exactly, darling?” he asks, grabbing you again and pulling you back towards him. 

“I’m saying that I’m going to stay by your side. Without turning you into the TVA. For some reason, the idea of you getting hurt bothers me more than anything else in the world right now.” 

Gasping, Loki grips your waist harder, leaning down until his face is dangerously close to yours.

“If anyone touches you, I’ll kill them in an instant,” he says, his voice deep and gravely. 

Closing your eyes, you wait for the feeling of his lips on yours. It never comes.

“We’re being watched,” Sylvie interrupts, pulling Loki away from you. “Look.” She points towards the doorway, where four guards are walking towards you.  

Two of them walk directly towards Sylvie, grabbing her. She quickly pulls out of their grasp and grabs her knife, ready to fight. 

The other two surround you and Loki. He looks at you and smirks. “Play time,” he says before knocking his elbow into one of the guards faces. 

You take care of the other guard, grabbing a nearby dish and breaking it onto his head. 

Loki looks over at Sylvie and notices that she’s in a headlock. He pulls out one of his knives, throwing it, the knife barely missing her face as it embeds itself into the wall next to her. 

“Nice throw!” she says sarcastically. 

Loki grunts before turning around. “We’re still doing this?” he asks as the guard he was fighting before rushes at him.

Kicking his leg out, Loki’s foot connects with the guard’s stomach, tossing him through the glass window. 

“Good riddance,” Loki jokes, right before two other guards grab him and throw him out the same window. 

You watch as Loki flies out, his screams piercing your ears. 

Without hesitation, you run and dive through the window, crashing onto the ground. 

Loki’s a few feet away from you, his body still. 

“Jumping out of windows for me now? How romantic,” he jokes, turning his head to look at you. “Are you hurt?” 

“Just a little banged up,” you respond. “What about you?” 

“I’m okay. Thanks for coming after me. I appreciate it.” 

When you realize he’s not joking, you chuckle nervously. “Of course. I can’t take on Sylvie alone, right?” 

“Right,” he says, a small smile gracing his lips. 

All of a sudden, Sylvie slams into the ground, her face buried in the dirt. “I fucking hate both of you,” she mutters. 

“We’re honored,” Loki jokes back. “And, as much as we love watching you with a face full of dirt, we need a new plan. Or else we’re dying on this planet.”

---

 The new plan was to hijack the ark and get the hell off this planet. 

Walking towards the ark, you focus on the buildings ahead of you, blocking out Loki and Sylvie’s conversation. However, one sentence catches your attention. 

“The TVA agents weren’t created by the Time Keepers. They’re variants.” 

“What?” you ask, confused as to what she’s saying. 

She looks over at you, a sympathetic look on her face. “You had a life before the TVA, but they’ve wiped your memories so you wouldn’t remember.” 

“No… no, that can’t be right.” You try to dig through your brain for any resemblance of a life before this, but you come up blank. 

“Y/N, I’m…” Loki starts to say before an explosion erupts in front of you, cutting him off. 

“We need to get to that ark, now!” Sylvie yells, already running ahead. 

Loki grabs your hand and pulls you along as an explosion goes off by you, narrowly missing you by a foot. 

Panicking, you run faster, keeping stride with Loki. The both of you follow Sylvie into a small store, running into three guards. You each take on one of them, Loki throwing you a knife so you can place it in your guard’s chest. 

“Thanks,” you say, running back up to Loki. 

“Always gonna look out for you, darling,” he says, placing his hand on your lower back and guiding you out of the store. 

Once back in the street, you fight your way towards the ark as more guards appear.

Residents are running around you in the street, panic evident in their screams. 

Keeping your head down, you bump into Sylvie, who’s stopped in the middle of the street. 

“There it is!” she yells, pointing at the ark in the distance. 

Out of nowhere, a blast hits it, causing it to explode into a million little pieces. 

All three of you watch in shock, your last chance of hope crumbling in front of you. 

Sylvie screams as she walks away from the both of you. 

You look over at Loki, who’s still staring ahead, a look of disbelief on his face. 

“Loki,” you say, touching his arm. 

He turns to you and moves his palm to your cheek, caressing your skin. “Don’t worry, we’ll find a way. I promise I won’t let anything happen to you.” 

Looking at him, you watch the blue color swirls that float around in his eyes, just like the debris falling around you. Entranced by it, you start to feel calm, forgetting the position you’re currently in. “I know you won’t,” you whisper, voice so low that Loki almost couldn’t hear you. 

In this moment, you realize, whether you want to or not, that you are falling for this man in front of you, and that realization is scarier to you than the impending death you might soon encounter.

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[strsburn]

destiny led me to you | loki

pairing - loki laufeyson x female reader

synopsis - driven by the heartbreak of losing your entire world by the hands of thanos, you set out to find him, leaving destruction in your path in multiple universes; thus creating a horde of branches in the timeline and catching the attention of the TVA.

but you would do it all again if it meant you could see him once more.

notes - this is hopefully going to be a series, depending on the feedback i receive, i plan to follow the episodes only slightly because i dont want it to be an exact copy of the show.

[THIS WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS FOR LOKI SERIES]

idea credit ( @horrorisunknowntoyou ) thank you for the inspo and allowing me to run with it!

warnings - death, violence, angst, and possible smut (in later chapters?)

wc - 2.4k

MASTERLIST • AO3

"Dread it, run from it. Destiny arrives all the same." A wrinkled hand reaches for your chin, running prune colored fingers along your jawline, doting; mockingly.

Your heartbeat pulses loudly in your ears, eyes glazing over with exhaustion and pain as you attempt to glare, the notion in vain as the titan merely chuckled amusedly.

"I can see great power in you, little one. An infinity stone pulses beneath your every vein. Tell me, where is the tesseract?"

You remain silent.

"We don't have the tesseract, it was destroyed along with all of Asgard." Thor interjects weakly from where he lies, his body held tightly in the arms of the black order.

Guilt sweeps across your being as you make eye contact with Loki, sharing a single nod as you both know what you must do.

Thanos grows annoyed with your unwillingness to comply as he walks over with loud steps, his footprints visible as he raises his gauntlet up, the power stone shining threateningly close to Thor.

"The tesseract, or your brother's head. I assume you have a preference." It's not a question. Merely a statement, one that Loki knows he must prove unbothered.

"Oh, I do. Kill away." To anyone else it would seem he couldn't care less about his brother's demise, but you know your love better than he does himself and you catch the glance of fear that washes over cerulean eyes.

You can only watch in trepidation as the stone makes contact with the God's head. Agonized cries escaping as his skin is burned by the mere power of the stone.

Loki does his best to look unaffected, but you catch the hitch in his breath as he batters inner turmoil. the universe, or his brother.

"Alright, that's enough!"

Loki turns his palm up, as a familiar blue cube materializes in his hand. The eerie blue glow casting a shadow upon his face.

Thanos steps away, smug. You force yourself to look away from Thor's accusing gaze.

"You truly are the worst, brother." Thor shakes his head, eyes disappointed but not surprised.

As Thanos moves to take the stone from his hand cerulean blue eyes make contact with your own and you feel a wave of fear wash over you as you recognize the look in Loki's eyes.

"I assure you, brother. The sun will shine on us again." He does not move his gaze from your own and you can't help but feel this is an unspoken goodbye.

"Your optimism is misplaced, asgardian."

"Well, for one thing, I'm not asgardian. For another, we have a hulk."

In a blur of color you are shoved from where you lie, a slithe figure covering your own as you breathe in the familiar scent of cinnamon and leather.

"We don't have much time, my love. I just want you to know that I love you dearly, and I am grateful for the time I had with you. May I see you again, in Valhalla." His eyes are teary and you barely process his words, as his hands grab hold of your face and pull you into a kiss.

The kiss is desperate, filled with love and grief and you can only briefly kiss your love back as he steps closer to Thanos, rambling on about undying fidelity.

You catch a glimpse of silver behind his back and you gasp as realization sets in.

You move to reach him just as he leaps for Thanos, the knife poised for his head, frozen in mid air as the stones across his knuckles pulse.

"Undying fidelity, you should choose your words more wisely."

You cry out as Loki struggles in his grip, his skin fading blue. You crawl forward, legs aching as you reach for him, your progress hinged by your inability to walk.

"You will never be a god." The rasped words are followed by a snap as his neck gives out beneath Thanos' hands.

A tortured scream rings out and it takes you a second to realize it's your own. A broken sob leaves you as you crawl forward to reach where Thanos has carelessly thrown the body of your love.

You heave as your shaky fingers caress his face, his lifeless eyes staring ahead as you clutch him to your chest.

You rock back and forth knotting your fingers in his hair as you plead for the nightmare to end.

"No resurrections this time."

A portal opens and closes behind you, yet you make no motion to move.

You simply close your eyes and welcome the sweet release of death as the universe explodes around you.

N E W Y O R K 2 0 1 2

"'Coordinates for search and rescue, on my way now.' I mean honestly, how-" Loki is promptly shut up by the mouth guard that decorates his face, courtesy of his brother.

Displeasure makes an appearance as Loki is led to the elevator followed by the avengers that quickly file in. The only source of entertainment being the temper tantrum the green beast throws as he is denied entry. Loki can hardly contain his glee as he waves mockingly as the doors close.

As he is led to the ground floor his cuffed hands clinking annoyingly with every step he glances wearily around himself, dreading the lecture that is sure to come once he reaches asgard. He has no doubt in his mind that Odin will find perfect reason to throw him to the wolves, lest his mother get involved.

As he contemplates, his attention is caught by the sound of his brother calling for help, the guards holding him, attending to what he perceives to be a heart attack, to none other than the man of metal.

He watches, confused as a small stature kicks the case holding the tesseract away from view as the others tend to Stark.

Looking around bemused he watches to see what will conspire next. Before any other move can be made a shout is heard as the doors to the staircase along with the wall is torn apart, the hulk making his distaste for the tedious activity known.

For once since meeting the beast he feels thankful, as the case holding the tesseract is knocked open, the familiar cube sliding towards his foot.

A beat passes and grabbing a hold of the familiar cube he glances around, vanishing in a thin cloud of blue.

T V A U N K N O W N

Hurried footsteps echo down the corridor as the man moves with barely contained excitement. Tie swinging to and fro, a slightly wrinkled hand pulls at the collar of his neck nervously.

Mobius had seen many variants in his time at the TVA. Yet, none had ever come close to interesting as the file he currently held in one hand. Variant L1130 or Loki, as he was called, was perhaps one of the most complicated cases he had come across.

Born as a legend of mythology it was quite unbelievable to know that not only was he real, but he happened to be in their custody for creating a new branch in the timeline. Mobius could only hope Renslayer would agree to allowing him to be the God's superior.

Entering the courtroom, Mobius sits down and watches with rapt attention as Loki attempts to bargain with Ravonna. His plans are foiled as he tries to call upon his magic in a last effort to escape.

Mobius feels it's time to intervene when Renslayer makes it clear he is to be executed.

"You have no idea what I am capable of!"

"Actually I might have an idea of what he is capable of." He offers as he makes his way up to the stand.

His plea must be written across his face as Ravonna leans over to look at him directly.

"Whatever you're planning, it's a bad idea." She warns.

Nonetheless she reluctantly lets him go and Mobius has to fight off the urge to fist pump the air as he escorts Loki down the hallway.

"Oh, I'm Agent Mobius by the way." He offers a hand that is quickly ignored.

He can practically see the distrust written on Loki's face, his eyes calculating every move he makes.

Mobius is hardly surprised that as soon as he enters the room, his back turned to the God as he adjusts his projector, Loki is surging forward to attack. He doesn't even bat an eyelash as he clicks a button on his remote, resetting the God as if the action never even happened.

"C'mon, let's take a look at some of your greatest hits." Mobius waves a hand, as Loki curiously sits down, eyes trained on the projector.

He finds himself staring back at a hologram of his attack on New York. His blue eyes darting back and forth with glee as chaos erupts around him.

A feeling of something akin to shame runs down his spine as he recalls his reign of terror on the city, an illusion of preying on the weak to hide his own fear, lest he fail and succumb to Thanos and his minions.

Loki clenches his jaw, arms crossing over his form in an attempt to hide himself as he turns to avoid the screen.

"I see no point in this-"

"No, no wait, this is just getting good." Mobius grins as he points to the screen and Loki finds himself once again face to face with another variation of himself.

He briefly recalls the time he had lost a bet to Thor and had to change his form into that of a ginger haired man wearing a clean three piece suit, claiming he had a bomb and required over two hundred thousand in midgardian money just to see if he could pull it off. He did, in fact, pull it off, but his mother was not happy as well as the midgardians who failed to solve the case, naming him D.B. Cooper as they had no clue as to his real identity.

His attention is pulled to the screen as a familiar voice of silk enters the scene and he watches as his mother speaks to his future self, his eyes drawn into her face.

"Then am I not your mother?" He hears her ask. Yes, you are.

"No. You are not." Loki's eyes start to mist as he watches the look of hurt pass over his mother's features before she schools her expression into one of contempt.

"Always so perceptive, about everyone but yourself." She decides.

The screen flickers and he sees himself talking to an intruder, his voice amused as he suggests the monster to take the stairs to the left.

Then, his mother, Frigga, lying on the cold ground, a puddle of red growing rapidly beneath her body as her eyes remained closed.

His breath hitches, anger now licking up his spine. He turns sharply to Mobius who smartly remains silent.

"What is this! Some cruel joke? Where is she?! Where do you have her?"

Mobius steps forward, expression neutral as he speaks.

"She's dead Loki. This is the future, it's destined to happen, again and again because that's how it should be."

Loki falters his eyes narrowing as he spits "You're lying! I'll kill you!"

"What? Like you killed your mother."

There's a split second of silence before an angered shout is heard, a chair splitting the air as it crashes into pieces along the floor.

Before anything else can be said Mobius is summoned by Hunter B-15, his eyes falling to Loki who remains silent and he leaves with a slight tinge of guilt burrowing in his chest at the haunted look in the God's eyes.

"You think yourself so sly don't you." Loki looks up at the unfamiliar voice as the projector suddenly comes to life, a new image flicking gently on screen. His eyes catch upon your form and he watches in awe and wonder as you sit beside his future self.

"I don't think, love. I know." He grins leaning in to steal a kiss from you that leaves you both breathless.

He watches as your eyes are filled with nothing but love and adoration for him as you lean into his side.

"Loki?"

"Yes, darling?"

"Do you believe in soulmates?"

Loki tilts his head in contemplation as he looks to you, before a soft grin pulls at his lips.

"I didn't until I met you. I know that no matter who or what tries to tear us apart, we will always find a way back to each other."

A smile breaks out onto your face and Loki watches in stunned silence as the clip ends with the two of your voices fading into laughter.

"You two are meant to be together."

Loki turns as Mobius slowly comes to a stop behind him, his expression thoughtful.

"I don't enjoy hurting people you know." He responds, motioning towards the screen in reference to his attack on New York and the death of his mother.

Mobius doesn't respond, and he takes that as a sign to continue.

"I do it because I have to. Because I've had to." He looks down as he fiddles with his fingers.

Mobius hums as he replies.

"Why? Why do you think that is?"

"It's part of the illusion. It's the cruel, elaborate trick conjured by the weak to inspire fear."

Realization lights up in Mobius' eyes as he answers back.

"A desperate play for control. You do know yourself."

"A villain." Loki sums up.

"Not the way I see it."

There's a mutual silence between them before Mobius sighs.

"Look I can't offer you salvation but I can offer you something better. A fugitive variant has been killing our minutemen."

"And let me guess, you need the God of Mischief to help you stop him."

"That's right."

"How could I possibly be of use to you?"

"That's the thing. The variant we are hunting, we believe is y/n." Mobius looks towards the projector where your image is still.

"I beg your pardon?"

U N K N O W N

Mutilated bodies line the floor as a hooded figure steps over them, eyes glowing an unnatural hue.

"Is it finished?"

"Yes."

A wicked laugh fills the empty space as a portal opens in the deserted land, a set of footsteps following through.

"I'm coming for you, my love."

#loki series #loki x reader #loki laufeyson x female reader #tom hiddleston #loki spoilers #fanfic #loki fanfic #bizzarebarnes

[asgardwinter]

Cruel Timing

summary | At the TVA, Loki is surprised to see you having a huge role in his future, not only in his past as he once thought.

pairing | Loki x fem!Reader

warnings | SPOILERS FOR EPISODE 1 OF LOKI, description of violence and death, angst (this is going to be really sad), some fluff (but don't get attached to it).

word count | 2k

author’s note | Wrote this while waiting for tomorrow's episode. This is the first time I’m posting something here so please be kind. Also I’m not a native english speaker so there are probably some mistakes (feel free to correct me anytime). Feedback is always welcomed.

Hope you like it <3

Loki Laufeyson Masterlist | Taglist | Main Masterlist

Something between 1000 and 1200 years before 2012

You were sitting on the soft grass of the Asgardian palace’s garden looking up at the bright stars that lighted the flowers and other beautiful plants. All of the Asgardian court was in the great hall enjoying one of the greatests balls of the year, but it was not the place you wanted to be right now.

Since the only noise that affected that region of the palace was an echo of the loud music played in the ball and the only light came from the stars and the moon, the gardens were the perfect place to be away from that craziness, away from everybody and everything you were tired of.

“Shouldn’t you be inside dancing around?” A voice you knew really well asked out of nowhere, making you jump a little.

“I’m exactly where I should be, Loki.” You said looking back at the sky to avoid his piercing look. “But how about you? Shouldn’t you be thinking about ruling somewhere?”

“You’ve been avoiding me,” He remarked with a bit of sadness in his voice. “You never avoid me."

You turned over your eyes without even giving him a glance. The once calm atmosphere was now overwhelming for you, Loki’s arm almost grazing yours did nothing to calm you the decision you had made early that day.

“It’s…"

“Don’t say ‘it’s something from your head’, because I know that’s the biggest lie. You can't fool me” Loki cutted you a sentence before you even had the chance to talk it off. “I know better than anyone here, so please just tell me the truth!”

The comfortable silence that was common between the two of you weren’t there anymore. The only thing that calmed you was the great amount of stars in the sky, almost calling you to explore them and you just wanted to follow them to learn.

“I want to run away,” You just let it slip out without, not having the energy to hide that from him anymore. Loki looked at you right away with a shocked expression designing his handsome features.

“I beg your pardon?”

“I want to go away from Asgard and it's madness. I was thinking about traveling around the universe, visiting as much of it as I can. I’m not even near one of the greatest warriors. I’m not from a powerful family. I’m just myself and will never be someone like my sister. I’m not even near enough for a ruler and it's not like I really want a kingdom, I just want a happy life.”

“But we are happy,” He said in a low voice, almost inaudible. “We’ll be even more happy by ruling Asgard, Midgard, all of the nine realms together. We’ll be the greatest in the galaxy one day, that’s our dream.”

“Loki, that's your dream.”

“No, we always talked about this. Me and you, king and queen, maybe even emperors…”

“That’s your dream!” You screamed it wanting for him to understand.

“What?” He finally stopped to listen.

“I only agreed to do this because I’d be with you! Not because I would be ‘queen of the nine realms’, but because we would be together above all things!” You busted off the words that were silenced for weeks now. “All I ever want is your love but you seem to forget it every time. All you think nowadays is your master plan to rule everyone and everything, how people are unhappy because of their freedom. Can you tell me how much time we spent together in the last months?” You laughed when he was unable to answer. “You know we don't even talk anymore. I never felt so alone like this, you feel like your brother shadow and I like my sisters but I thought I’d always have you but I don’t! The only thing you talk about is ruling, and that’s when you talk to me because for the past weeks, and I dare to say months, you and I have been far away from your priorities.”

“But, my love, I need to do this for us. The future will be bright. I just need a bit more patience from you until I can make things right. Until we are at the top of the universe together and…”

“I already felt like I was at the top of the universe when I was by your side. When you looked at me with such adoration that I felt like the most precious thing in the nine realms” You muttered. “I don’t feel like that anymore when I’m with you and it hurts like hell.”

“I hope that one day you’ll understand why I’m doing this.”

“And I hope that it won’t be too late when you realise you can find happiness away from power.”

With that being said you raised to your feet and left Loki in the garden, already thinking of where was the furthest place from Asgard you could go and how you could convince Heimdall to keep your location a secret.

2012 (but it’s the TVA so the time is weird)

Loki was overwhelmed with the later events. The TVA, his “greatest hits”, infinity stones as paperweights, no magic to rely on… that was awful to say the least.

With the frustrated escape he was back in that mysterious room that supposedly was showing him his destiny. He didn’t want to accept that he was the one directly responsible for his mother’s death, the one person that was always by his side. Loki decided to learn how to operate that weird machine, pressing a button that made the scene of the Avenger fighting hop forward, passing through his imprisonment and the death of his mom where it paused.

Tears started flooding his eyes now that Agent Mobius wasn’t near him to see it. Loki started to speed up the scenes one more time, pausing at the sight of his father.

“I love you, my sons.”

Loki looked at the screen, that simple statement helped nothing to contain the tears that were threatening to spill from his eyes. He would be loved in the future.

“Remember this place. Home.”

“Loki, I thought the world of you. I thought that we’re going to fight side by side forever.”

Smiling through the tears, Loki felt his heart warming with his brother's statement. The scenery changed but it was still Thor, this time he had an eye patch to distinguish him from the last one.

“Maybe you’re not so bad after all, brother.” Thor said with a small smile lightening his face.

“Maybe not,” The Loki on the screen replied.

“Thank you. If you were really here I could even give you a hug.”

“I’m here.”

Loki’s smile widened a bit, seeing that affectionate moment between him and the brother he always tried to compete with was important. That was when his eyes almost fell off his face with the sight of someone he didn’t expect to be a part of his future.

“Who would have thought that you’d both be so caring towards the other,” You said leaning at the door frame. There were some clean cuts in your cheeks and arms and you were limping as you started to move towards them.

“Should you even be standing?”, Loki rushed to your side to support you with his arms.

“If I shouldn't, do you think I’d be up?”

“Yes.”

He saw you turn away from his preoccupied gaze holding you laugh. You not admitting that he was right seemed to continue a common situation. That Loki helped you to get to a chair in the room and you sat down looking at him with a lipped smile. The one that was watching couldn’t take his eyes off you even if the room started burning.

“What?” He heard himself asking you on the screen, frowning in concern.

“I’m just happy we found our way back to each other.” You said with something that looked a lot like love in your eyes.

“I’m really happy about that, too, my love.”

“And i’s cute seeing you worried about nothing.”

“You got stabbed. How does that fit in the ‘nothing’ category?”

“I survived till now, it's not some living dead sword that is going to kill me.”

“You’re unbelievable.”

“And that’s why you love me...” You grinned at him. Loki rolled his eyes, but he smiled while looking at you kissing his knuckles intertwined with yours.

“Not just because of that”, he muttered before leaning in and kissing you softly.

The scene speeded up again until it stopped at a different scenario. A more chaotic one. Loki could see fire in the back and a hopeless look in his face, like he was powerless towards that situation and he didn't like it. The Loki on the screen drew out a knife, branding it against the enemy but was stopped with what seemed to be the space stone.

“Undying?” Thanos mocked, picking Loki up by his neck. “You should choose your words more carefully.”

A knife was thrown in Thanos' direction from behind, but he stopped that too easily with the power of the two stones he had. Asgardian gods with their knives and hammers never seem to learn. Soon one of his children got hold of you too. Loki could see a nasty bruise in your forehead and blood dripping on your cheek. You looked terrified at him, afraid of what was going to happen to the love of your life.

“I can see that you gods never learn when to stop,” Thanos said in that calm and irritating voice of his. He caught the knife with his free hand while holding Loki by his neck with the other.

“Please, don’t do this!” That was the only thing you thought of screaming until a hand muffled your voice. The cries not as loud as they were supposed to be.

Loki, you and Thor knew that there was nothing to be done. The three norse gods were as helpless as common humans. The mischief god that was sitting in that empty room couldn’t take his eyes off your crying expression, the way you didn’t want to lose him.

“You… will never be… a god.” Those words said with so much effort because the grip on his neck were his last ones, he was sure.

Instead of continuing with his choking Thanos used the knife to kill Loki. Your knife. The weapon that was supposed to save his life was the same that took him from you. There was too much blood so you already knew there was no way when you managed to get to him after Thanos escaped.

“No, don’t you dare to close your eyes!” You said in a warning voice that was breaking, but you still tried to remain strong. “We can still…”

“My love, look at me. Please.” He begged in a weak voice and you did it. His eyes were closing but he needed to say one last thing. “I love you.”

Those were his last words. Loki sat there, seeing you crying hard and Thor coming to your side also with tears filling his eyes.

End of the file.

Loki couldn’t process what he had just seen. A future where he causes pain, suffering and yet is loved by his brother, his father. Loved by you, the person who left him to find yourself but somehow came back to him.

“Glorious purpose” Loki mocked. You heartbroken look stamped on his mind and the certainty that he wouldn’t even be allowed to live that with you.

That was just damn cruel timing for him to run away from the so called "Sacred Timeline". Now he knew that the possibilities of going back and experiencing even a little of happiness were minimal.

#loki imagine #loki x reader #loki x you #loki laufeyson #loki fanfic #marvel imagine #marvel x reader #mcu #loki oneshot #loki odinson #loki layfeyson imagine #loki series imagine #mcu loki #loki odinson imagine #avengers imagine #imagines #one shot #loki x female reader

[justarandomgirly]

My Loki series Ep4

To quote Tom - now we're getting somewhere

Previous episodes:

Note: This episode feels short, but only because I tried to make it as brief as possible. Previous posts were too long and its annoying. Dialogues would be much longer,fight scene that I described in like 2 lines would be 5 minutes long. Etc. I hope you enjoy it. I cant wait for your feedback!

Loki teleports back to Utgard. Drrf and Fenrir by his side. Loki is planning to visit his mother in the palace, but as soon as he gets close to it, they are at courtyard, several guards stand in their way. Fenrir growls. One of them says

- You are forbidden to enter, Asgardian.

Loki looks at Jotun. He is irritated by his tone of voice, how he pronounced Asgardian. Like he is a worm. Loki has flashbacks to times he and asgardians talked down like this to Jotuns.

- I am Jotun just like you says Loki.

- Not according to our queen.

Loki could easily take them all down. But he knows that would lead to even more trouble. Plus he must protect Drrf and Fenrir. He looks one more time at Jotuns in front of him and says to Drrf

- Come.

They turn around and want to leave, but as soon as Loki turns his back to them, one of them says

- Coward.

Loki stops. He quickly turns around and shoots that Jotun with energy blast. He ends up on the floor several feet away. Loki is prepared to hit another one, but Drrf holds his hand and says

- No, master. There will be time for war. But not now. Not now.

Jotuns were ready to fight, each holding a weapon, but they were standing still, looking at Loki. Waiting for him to start the fight or leave.

Loki looked at Drrf and nodded. They turned around and left.

- Bunch of morons Loki mumbles.

- Come, master. I'll show you others.

- Others?

- Others like me. You wanted to see them. I think now its time.

____________________________________

They leave the palace courtyard. Loki is visibly angry.

- This is outrageous he repeats

Fenrir happily follow him and Drrf is by his side.

- Palace is also my home Loki says How can that bitch lock me out?

- Master. You are at war with her. Did you really expect her to welcome you back?

Loki just shakes his head. He lets Drrf to lead the way and when they are walking throught Utgard Loki asks

- Where are you taking me?

- To the part of city called Outyards.

- Let me guess. It isnt a neighbourhood with palaces and spas.

- That's quite correct, master. We are an exclusive, as we call it, brotherhood. We live in hiding deep underground. Only outlaws and those cast out by their own kind live in Outyards. They find shelter here when there is nowhere else to go. Hands the name. Since we are prey to normal size Jotuns, we come out only after dark. It is a perfect place for us to hide.

And very soon Loki finds out what he meant. The buildings are smaller and a little crooked, some even made of wood, not stone like in other parts of city, there is not one person here in clean clothing, Jotuns are sitting on the ground, eating whatever they could find with bare hands. Loki could not believe such difference. Such graceful creatures a mile away, now this sight.

- This way, said Drrf.

Loki followed him into a small door. He had to lean forward to get through. He and Fenrir entered a small dark house. Drrf opened another even smaller door and disappeared behind them. Loki followed him and found out he was now on top of stairs to a cellar or something. He used his green seidr to conjur a green light so he could see where he was going. After many stairs his feet reached the floor. Without hesitation he followed Drrf. After maybe 500 steps he recognized fire in the distance with multiple small creatures sitting around it. When they heard steps few of them turned around and when they saw Loki, for them a big figure, they assumed they were in danger and started hissing. Fenrir did the same.

- No my friends dont be scared said Drrf It is me, Drrf.

- Who are you bringing here? Who is this intruder?

- Thats Loki explained Drrf.

That name appeared to have power here. Creatures who all looked similar to Drrf all looked at Loki with a mix of fear, respect and admiration. But mostly fear.

- Loki said one of them Our king.

____________________________________

Loki and Drrf now sit among them. Loki finds out they were just roasting some animal. Some drinks are poured and they give Loki one glass. He looks at it with suspicion but one of the creatures who Loki heard was called Udr said

- Its not poison your majesty. Its wine.

Drrf drank so Loki too. He took a small sip and found out it was delicious. Somebody threw Fenrir a bone so he was busy.

- Where did you get it asked Loki

- We didnt steal it said Udr If thats what youre implying your majesty. We make it. Kolga here is great with these sorts of things.

Kolga, smaller than Drrf replied

- Yes altho I admit the equipment to make wine did not magicaly appear. I stole it.

Loki sits there and enjoys the wine and listens to them talk. They are like tiny spies, he finds out. They sneak everywhere. They tell Loki that queen is preparing for the war, arming every man she can find, they heard she ordered to forge new swords and shields, wider and thicker. That they see her in the city more than before.

- How about men that are on my side? Loki asks.

- Many Udr says More and more talk about you with hope. You know, many dont like queen's policies.

- But I am from Asgard says Loki.

- You'd be surprised how many see it as a good thing. I heard men say you might bring a fresh look on things.

Loki looks around and says

- I would first very much like to do something about this. How you live here. Like ragtag.

- But we are says a small creature in the corner.

Loki says - No youre not. You are just as Jotuns as every other out there. Being small doesnt mean your existance matters less. Look at me. I am small as well. And yet I am aiming for the throne.

- But you were born as a son of a king

- Yes but I wasnt exactly wanted either. I mean Laufey did leave me on a rock to die. My point is, we decide our fate. We write our own stories. I dont see myself as a ragbag and you shouldnt either.

- We dont. Said another small Jotun. Others do. And they are in much greater numbers. Even if we got together, and went up, we would be easily outnunbered and slaughtered. And eaten like this bull we have here.

- Did that happen already? Asked Loki quietly.

Tiny Jotuns looked at each other.

- Multiple times said Drrf There were a lot more of us. We lost friends. They were going out to get food and never returned.

Loki shook his head.

- How is queen not doing anything about it?

- Because she doesnt see us as citizens said Udr Why do you think Jotuns keep killing us? Because it isnt considered a crime.

Loki kept shaking his head.

- Reach out your hands he says.

Tiny Jotuns do so and in palm of each one of them a tiny dagger appears.

- Hide them well Loki said It is my gift to you. For protection.

They were never given anything so the Thank you is coming from all sides. Loki is overwhelmed. This lights up the mood and they all raise their glasses and drink to Loki and better times that come with him. They start telling stories and he listens. And laughs. He doesnt even realize its been hours. He feels as he is among his own kind.

____________________________________

Aegir is sitting on the balcony of his chambers, sipping some drink. Vidofnir is out as always at this hour to breathe fresh air. He sees him circling above the city then the bird turns around and he appears to be in a hurry. Aegir knows him. He stands up reaches out his arm and Vidofnir sits on his arm. He shrieks loudly. Aegir understands his language. He tells him he saw Loki, where and with whom. Aegir knows that there is an 'army of runts' living there, as they call them, he walks out of his room to get his men. He meets Dufa on the way

- Where are you doing at this hour, uncle?

- Loki has returned. He is in Outyards

She says with serious face

- I am going too. We end this tonight.

______________________________________

Loki is having fun with his new friends. They are all laughing now after a few drinks and so is Loki. Now its him who is telling them stories from his youth, about adventures with Thor or Sigyn. Until a few minutes later when one of them comes running and says

- Soldiers! Soldiers are coming!

Panic begins. One of them shouts

- Come! Quickly!

They all run towards another exit they built in case of emergency. Loki goes with them. As they run out into the night, Loki first sees walls of the buildings around them. And not a person in sight. Until they hear a loud shriek from above them. Its Vidofnir, spreading his giant wings sitting on a tower. Loki shoots an energy blasts at him but the bird moves. They keep running but suddenly a group of soldiers barricades their way.

- No says Loki quietly its almost whisper

Loki's hands glow green, he is prepared to attack them and all tiny jotuns instinctively stand behind him. Then he sees Aegir, he emerges from behind his men with a weird smile. Him. Few seconds after that Dufa follows him,with scepter in her hand. Fenrir growls.

- Get out of our way Loki warns them

Dufa comes closer, her men behind her

- You give us those runts.

- Dont call them that Loki hisses and his hands glow green even more.

Dufa smiles

- What a coincidence. Scum befriended scum.

A scepter in her hand glows.

- Last warning, sister.

She smiles and shoots at him. Loki moves away and shouts at his friends

- Ruuuuun!

Hell breaks loose. Tiny jotuns start running and Loki tries to protect them but Dufa keeps him busy when she keeps attacking him with the scepter. Loki manages to shout at Fenrir ae he understands

- Go! Run!

Fenrir does seem to understand and runs and disappears into the night. Aegir and his men catch all small Jotuns,bind their hands and Loki and Aegir look at each other for brief moment. Im going to kill you say Loki's eyes. Aegir just smiles and leads his men out of this place.

- No! Loki screams when he sees all of them handcuffed, one of soldiers even kicks Drrf in the back. Loki's blood is boiling.

Dufa attack him again but Loki disappears and Dufa looks around and sees that Loki is attacking their men, and telekinetically uncuffs his tiny friends.

- Run! He shouts

They do. But in that moment Loki stopped paying attention and Dufa shot him with the scepter. Loki is hit and falls on his back several feet away. He is off for few seconds. Enough for Aegir and his men to re-take the small ones and handcuff them again. Aegir looks at Dufa then at Loki and she says

- Go. He is mine

Loki's eyesight is little hazy. He hears a mixture of voices, cant tell what is happening. He wants to stand up and he manages to sit up. He sees Dufa approaching him slowly. She puts the scepter to his chest, on the golden asgardian symbol.

- You might have Jotun skin she says But deep down in your heart you are still Asgardian scum.

Loki looks into her face, eyes wet. Thinking about the promise he made to Drf. That he is going to keep him and his friends safe. That nothing's gonna happen to them. He might be killed by his own sister, but this is the only thing he can think of. That he broke his promise. Didnt protect them.

- How Gods die tells you how they lived she smiles. She is then clearly ready to kill him, but this gave Loki enough time to regain his strength and he teleports her away. He crowls for a few meters, then gets on his knees. Fenrir runs back to him, whining. He licks Loki's hand. Loki is looking at the darkness around him. Empty look on his face. One horn on his helmet is broken.

______________________________________

Next we would cut to Dufa being teleported into the palace, angry that Loki did that to her. That would wake up her mother and Dufa would tell her what happened, Farbauti still repeating how they should come with some arrangement not this. How she cant believe she would have killed her own brother. I didnt feel like writing this scene, but I would put it here

______________________________________

Loki spends several minutes just thinking and not thinking at the same time. He feels so empty and filled with rage at the same time. After what feels like an eternity, he decides he needs to speak one person. He wants to her voice right now. Loki sends his clone to Asgard, to Sigyn's chambers. He finds her there, in a chair next to the fireplace, reading a book, dressed in nightgown. When she sees him, knowing immediately its only astral projection, she stands up and approaches him. She notices the broken horn and most importantly - this is the first time she sees him in his Jotun form. Loki, with all of that going on, didnt even realize. The look on his face cant be described as anything else but total destruction. He would have also been pleased to see her in sheer nightgown if the occasion was different. But now he doesnt even notice.

- What happened? She asks.

Loki closes his eyes

- I lost. I lost them. They are gone.

- Who, Loki? Who is gone?

- My friends. Drrf and others. They took them.

- Who? My uncle and my sister. The soldiers. They took them. I promised I would care care if them...

She sadly smiles

- You've always been doing that Loki. Trying to protect others. So many times we were in a battle or any kind of danger and you tried to keep an eye on us all, making sure none of us gets hurt.

- This is different he says quietly I gave Drrf my word...I made a promise.

- Loki. Look at me.

He slowly raises his eyes to hers.

- You cant protect everyone.

He forgets she is not really there and tries to touch her. She fades away in front of his eyes.

________________________________________

Fenrir licking his hand brings him back to reality. Loki pets him and then he stands up. He knows what he must do. Dufa had the scepter or Jotun kings but he had no weapon of his. He already more less knows this city.

He marches and he marches for a long time when he finally gets to the smithy down by what they call The gate of death. He doesnt care why they call it that. Its almost dawn so the owner is awake. Loki knocks on his door, gives him a fist full of coins and says

- I want to forge a weapon. Myself.

The Jotun man leads him to the workshop and leaves him there all by himself. Loki knows the art of blacksmithing. Next few minutes would be a montage of Loki forging himself a sword. With beautiful shots at his face. Imagine Tom's expressions, especialy anger.

Then he would leave and put it into holster on his back that he conjured. And he marches again until he is outside the city. He turns around and looks at Utgard. He turns his back to the city and takes out the casket. Fenrir gets scared and hides behind him.

With it, Loki would build a spectacular castle made of ice. The people in Utgard would watch from far away as an ice castle emerges out of nothing. It would be spectacular, with everything a king needs in a castle.

Then he looks at his creation and hides the casket. He is looking for several minutes thinking about everything that his creation represents. He marches towards the castle with Fenrir behind him. As he walks in, he sees something like this.

Loki slowly approaches the throne in the back of the hall and sits on it. He takes the sword out of the holster, looks at it, then lifts it up. The sword is flaming now.

Laevatainn.

@applebees-enthusiast @alirhi @kayleigh-nightingale

[lokiondisneyplus]

Natalie Holt's timeline was turned upside down last fall when she landed the highly-coveted composer gig for Marvel Studios' Loki series on Disney+.

"My agent got a general call-out looking for a composer on a Marvel project," she tells SYFY WIRE during a conversation over Zoom. "So, I didn’t know what it was. It was [described as] spacey and quite epic ... I sent in my show reel and then got an interview and got sent the script and then I realized what it was for. I was like, ‘Oh my god!’ It was amazing ... Loki was already one of my favorite characters, so I was really stoked to get to give him a theme and flesh him out in this way."

***WARNING! The following contains certain plot spoilers for the first four episodes of Loki!***

Imbued with glorious purpose, Holt knew the score had to match the show's gonzo premise about the Time Variance Authority, an organization that secretly watches over and manages every single timeline across the Marvel multiverse. The proposition of such an out-there sci-fi concept inspired the composer to bring in uniquely strange sounds, courtesy of synthesizers and a theremin.

"I got my friend, Charlie Draper, to play the theremin on my pitch that I had to do," she recalls. "They gave me a scene to score, which I’m sure they gave to loads of other composers. It was the Time Theater sequence in Episode 1. The bit from where he goes up the elevator and then into the Time Theater ... I just went to town on it and I wanted to impress them and win the job and put as many unusual sounds in there and make it as unique as possible."

The end result was a weird, borderline unnatural sound that wouldn't have felt out of place in a 1950s sci-fi B-movie about big-headed alien invaders. Rather than being turned off by Holt's avant garde ideas, Marvel Studios head honcho Kevin Feige embraced them, only giving the composer a single piece of feedback: "Push it further."

Holt admits that she was slightly influenced by Thor: Ragnarok ("I loved the score for it and everything"), which wasn't afraid to lean into the wild, Jack Kirby-created ideas floating around Marvel's cosmic locales. Director Taika Waititi's colorful and bombastic set pieces were perfectly complimented by an '80s-inspired score concocted by Devo co-founder, Mark Mothersbaugh.

"To be honest, I tried not to listen to it on its own," Holt says of the Ragnarok soundtrack. "I didn’t want to be too influenced by it. I watched the film a couple of times a few years ago, so yeah, I don’t think I was heavily referencing it. But I definitely had a memory of it in my mind."

After boarding Loki last September, Holt spent the next six months (mostly in lockdown) crafting a soundtrack that would perfectly reflect the titular god of mischief played by Tom Hiddleston. One of the first things she came up with was the project's main theme — a slightly foreboding cue that pays homage to the temporal nature of the TVA, as well as the main character's flair for the dramatic. "He always does things with a lot of panache and flair, and he’s very classical in his delivery."

She describes it as an "over-the-top grand theme with these ornate flourishes" that plays nicely with Loki's Shakespearean aura. "I wanted those ornaments and grand gestures in what I was doing. Then I also wanted to reflect that slightly analog world of the TVA where everything has lots of knobs and buttons ... [I wanted to] give it that slightly grainy, faded [and] vintage-y sci-fi sound as well."

"I just wanted it to feel like it had this might and weight — like there was something almost like a requiem about it," Holt continues. "These chords that are really powerful and strident and then they’ve got this blinking [sound] over the top. I just came up with that when I was walking down the street and I hummed it into my phone. There’s a video where you can just see up my nose and I’m humming [the theme]. I came home and I played it."

As a classically-trained musician, Holt drew on her love of Mahler, Dvořák, Beethoven, Mozart, and most importantly, Wagner. A rather fitting decision, given that an actual Valkyrie (played by Tessa Thompson) exists within the confines of the MCU.

"I would say those flourishes over the top of the Loki theme are very much Wagner," Holt says. "They’re like 'Ride of the Valkyries.’ I wanted people to kind of recall those big, classical, bombastic pieces and I wanted to give that weight to Loki’s character. That was very much a conscious decision to root it in classical harmony and classical writing ... There’s a touch of the divine to the TVA. It’s in charge of everything, so that’s why those big powerful chords [are there]. I wanted people almost to be knocked off their socks when they heard it."

With the main theme in place, Holt could then play around with it in different styles, depending on the show's different narrative needs. Two prime examples are on display in the very first episode during Miss Minutes' introductory video and the flashback that reveals Loki to be the elusive D.B. Cooper.

"What was really fun was [with] each episode, I got to pull it away and do a samba version of the theme or do a kind of ‘50s sci-fi version of the theme," she explains. "I can’t say other versions of the theme because they’re in Episode 5 and 6…or like when Mobius is pruned, I did this really heartfelt and very emotional [take on the theme] when you see Loki tearing up as he’s going down in slow motion down that corridor. It was cool to have the opportunity to try out so many different styles and genres. And it was big enough to take it all. It was a big enough story."

The other side of the story speaks to the old world grandeur of Loki's royal upbringing on Asgard, a city amongst the stars that eventually found its way into Norse mythology.

"I went to a concert in London three years ago and I heard these Norwegian musicians playing in this group called the Lodestar Trio," Holt recalls. "They do a take on Bach, where they’re kind of giving it a folk-y twist … [They use] a nyckelharpa and a Hardanger fiddle — they’re two historic Norwegian folk instruments. I just remembered that sound and I was like, ‘Oh, I have to use those guys in our score.’ It seemed like the perfect thing. I was like, ‘Yes, the North/Norwegian folk instruments.’ It just felt like it was the perfect thing for his mother and Asgard and his origins."

That folk-inspired sound also helped shape the music for Sylvie (played by Sophia Di Martino), a female variant of Loki with a rather tragic past. "Obviously, we’ve seen in Episode 4 what happened to her as a child," Holt says. "I just feel like she’s so dark. She’s basically grown up living in apocalypses, so she has that Norwegian folk violin sound, but her theme is incredibly dark and menacing and also, you don’t see her. She’s just this dark figure who’s murdering people for a while."

And then there were all the core members of the TVA to contend with. As Holt mentioned above, fans recently lost Agent Mobius (Owen Wilson), may he rest in prune. We mean peace. What? Too soon? During a recent interview with SYFY WIRE, Loki head writer Michael Waldron said that he based Mobius off of Tom Hanks's dogged FBI agent Carl Hanratty in 2002's Catch Me If You Can.

"There’s this thing that he loves jet ski magazines," Holt says. "I had this character in my head and then when I saw Owen Wilson’s performance, I was like, ‘Oh, he’s actually a lot lighter and he plays it in a different way from how I’d imagined.’ But I was listening to Bon Jovi and those slightly rock-y anthemic things. ‘90s rock music for some reason was my Mobius sound palette."

Mobius is pruned on the orders of his longtime friend, Ravonna Renslayer (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), after learning that everyone who works for the TVA is a variant who was unceremoniously plucked out of their original timelines. A high-ranking member of the quantum-based agency, Renslayer has a theme that "is quite tied in with Mobius and it’s like a high organ," Holt adds. "It doesn’t quite know where it’s going yet. But yeah, we’ll have to see what happens with that one."

Wilson's character isn't the only person fed up with the TVA's lies. Hunter B-15 (Wunmi Mosaku) also became disillusioned with the place and allowed Sylvie to escape in the most recent episode

"Hunter B-15 has this moment in Episode 4 where Sylvie shows her her past, her memories. I thought that was a really powerful moment for her," Holt says. I feel like she’s such a fighter and when she comes into the Time-Keepers and she makes that decision, like, ‘I’m switching sides,’ so her theme is more like a drum rhythm. I actually kind of sampled my voice and you can hear that with the drums. I did loads of layers of it, just like this horrible sliding sound with this driving rhythm underneath it. So, that was B-15 and then her softer side when she has her memory given back to her."

Speaking of the Time-Keepers, we finally got to meet the creators of the Sacred Timeline...or at least we thought we did. Loki and Sylvie are shocked to learn that the red-eyed guardians of reality are nothing but a trio of high-end animatronics (ones that could probably be taken out by a raging Nicolas Cage). Even before Sylvie manages to behead one of them, something definitely feels off with the Time-Keepers, which meant Holt could underscore the uncanny valley feeling in the score.

"When they walked in for their audience with the Time-Keepers, it was like this huge gravitas," she says. "But you look up and there’s something a bit wrong about them. I don’t know if you felt that or if you just totally believed. You were like, ‘Oh, this is so strange.’ I just felt like there was something a little bit off and musically, it was fun to play around with that."

Holt is only the second solo female composer to work on an MCU project, following in the footsteps of Captain Marvel's Pinar Toprak. Her involvement with Loki represents the studio's growing commitment to diversity, both in front of and behind the camera. This Friday will see the wide release of Black Widow, the first Marvel film to be helmed solely by a woman (Cate Shortland). Four months after that, Chloé Zhao's Eternals will introduce the MCU's first openly gay character into the MCU.

"I just feel like it’s an honor and a privilege to have had that chance to be the second woman to score a thing in the MCU and to be in the same league as those incredible composers like Mothersbaugh and Alan Silvestri. They're just legends," Holt says. "Another distinctive thing about [the show] is that all the heads of department are pretty much women. Marvel are showing themselves to be really progressive and supportive and encouraging. I applaud [them]. Whatever they’re doing seems to be working and people seem to be liking it as well, so that’s awesome."

Holt's score for Vol. 1 of Loki (aka Episodes 1-3) are now streaming on every music-based platform you could think of. Episodes 1-4 are available to watch on Disney+ for subscribers. Episode 5 (the show's penultimate installment) debuts on the platform this coming Wednesday, July 7.

Natalie isn't able to give up any plot spoilers for the next two episodes (no surprise there), but does tease "the use of a big choir" in one of them. "Episode 6, I’m excited for people to hear it," she concludes. "That’s all I can say."

#Natalie Holt #composer #Loki #OST

[work-your-loki]

I'm curious about this. There are so many things and hints in this show about a possible lokius outcome, but do you believe this is actually possible? Knowing the mess that k*te h*rron is at acknowledging queer identities, I can't imagine straight people writing a queer narrative. (Not mentioning that casual viewers actually enjoyed s*lki as a couple)

Anon, that's the million dollar question I ask myself every day!

The stone cold answer: No. It's Disney, it's never going to happen.

The tiny voice of the hopeless romantic optimist in me that never shuts up: mayyyybe? Out of all the popular non-canon MCU ships, I think this is the only one that has an actual chance, as miniscule as it is.

The actual, more complicated answer: It depends on a million factors. First and foremost, who will be involved next season and what story they want to tell. If it's Waldron and he's unchecked by a director willing to change things up, we're screwed. So, finding out who the show runners will be is going to give us at least some idea of where we stand.

Second, the reception they got for season 1. I don't know if S*lki is actually popular with the casual viewers, is it? All journalists have asked them about the weirdness, so they must be picking up some non-fandom vibes. And networks have their own complicated ways of measuring audience response, so I can't say what feedback they are picking up on and how they are weighing it. So, that's another variable.

Another factor I've been thinking a lot about is Feige commenting specifically on their relationship and how into it he is, which makes me feel both optimistic and dreadful. On the plus side, it indicates that we will probably see a lot more of them together as a unit, which is always good. On the other side, I fear that he might be seeing them more as a comedic buddy duo and plans to capitalize on that. So, that would destroy all chances.

(though, all that alien bi sex/orgy/mischief utter nonsense they were originally throwing around for episode one is at least a good sign that they were willing to give them more leeway to at least explore Loki's sexuality on screen, even though they chose not to do it - someone else might)

I have a lot more thoughts, but since this has already gotten more complicated than you probably hoped for, let's just say, long story short: Probably not, but it's far too early to say for sure.

(If anyone reading this has any other opinions, I'd absolutely love to hear them! I always crave other perspectives, the more voices you hear the more it helps to get a more rounded view of things)

#honestly I change my mind about this at least three times a day #if waldron had never opened his mouth #and if holt had never made those comments about the script #I'd be convinced there's at least a 50% chance #cause the story feels ready to tilt sideways at any moment #but there are too many cooks in this kitchen #I wish I could stop thinking about this #loki x mobius #lokius

[lailyn]

At World’s End

Summary: A short companion piece to Episode 5 Journey Into Mystery

Pairing: Loki/Mobius

Tags: Angst, Drama, Emotional Hurt/Comfort

The Void, Time Immemorial

“There’s a fire inside, what the hell are you doing out here? Aren’t you cold?”

If there was one thing Loki did not miss about Mobius, it was the perpetual nagging. But for once, he had to agree.

“Yes, it is a bit cold out here, isn’t it?” Loki tucked his hands under his armpits and suppressed a shiver. “Never thought I’d still need to concern myself with weathering the elements, this is the first such post-death experience for me.”

“This is the first post-death for me, period,” Mobius said dryly, planting himself on the ground. “I’ve always believed Hell would look different for everyone. Not freezing, at least.”

“A bespoke Hel,” Loki mulled. “You have just made a very good point there.”

“I have?” Mobius quirked an eyebrow. “Now I finally believe we’re at the end of the world. Loki of Asgard just paid me a compliment.”

“Loki of Nowhere,” his companion corrected. “Every other Loki here is a greater embodiment of Asgard. I do not deserve the title.”

“Come on, what happened to that spunky guy who talked me into journeying back in time to Pompeii?” Mobius bumped their shoulders together lightly. "But come to think about it, everyone’s still got some pretty strong leather game going on, except for you.”

"Your precious TVA divested me of all my fineries," Loki said curtly, obviously still mourning the loss of his fine Asgardian leathers.

“Yeah but would you look at yourself? You’re filthy. And this was a brand-new shirt!" Mobius poked a finger into the side of Loki’s arm where someone’s blade had ripped a gaping hole in his shirt.

“Hey!” Loki recoiled with a wince. “You did give me just the one.”

“If anyone’s in need of a shower and a nap, it’s you,” Mobius said. "Did you even get that wound looked at?"

"No time. Too busy getting pruned."

“What happened to your jacket?” Mobius asked. “You could have gotten away with not so deep a cut.”

“I left it on Lamentis-1. It got ruined. See if you’d only used high-quality leather, it would have lasted longer.”

Mobius laughed. “Thank you for the constructive feedback. I’ll make sure the right department gets it.”

Loki��s entire demeanour iced over, his back a little straighter, his eyes candelas darker. “Oh no. You’re going to burn the whole place to the ground.”

Neither spoke for an immeasurable moment, tense and silent.

“I am, aren’t I?” Mobius asseverated solemnly.

“You promised her, didn’t you?”

Mobius nodded his head once, for once was enough. He knew what he promised. He knew what he owed Sylvie, what he owed Loki, what he owed all of them.

“I’m sorry I called you a cockroach.”

“It was fitting.” Loki’s voice was flat. "Kill one, a legion of us takes his place."

“That's not what I meant."

“Mobius, it's okay, it’s forgotten.”

“Damn it, Loki, I’m trying to apologise here.”

“You did get pretty angry with me back there.” Loki gave him a glance out of the corner of his eye. "As far as interrogation techniques go, I've seen better."

"Nah, I was just pushing your buttons - "

A scoff, "Pushing my buttons?"

"I couldn't help myself, you have too many."

Loki shook his head. "I can't believe you."

It was now or never.  

Mobius’ hand suddenly shot out to grab Loki by the tie. "Believe this,” and he hauled him in for a kiss.

A million memories flitted past in a blur of garish colours and sounds and scents, memories of hours spent dancing around each other in the search for answers neither was willing to freely give,

Somewhere, somewhen, he heard Loki gasp in surprise, but Mobius gave him no chance for a breather, deepening the kiss until hard enough to bruise.

Will he remember all of this? Will he remember the nights spent burning the midnight oil poring over worthless documents for what good had they done him? All the nasty words exchanged in the heat of the moment, thinking they had betrayed each other?

Will Loki be as forgiving? Mobius wondered in gut-wrenching regret. As forgiving as Sylvie?  

Mobius received his answer not a moment too soon when Loki surged against him a precious second later, body and breath; his grappling hand released the tie only to grasp the sides of Loki’s torso lest they both toppled onto the cold, unforgiving ground.

It could be Alioth roaring the sky or the promise of imminent death hanging over their heads, but the kiss tasted as sweet as hell. When they finally parted, it was with a pain Mobius had never felt before, and judging by the myriad of emotions raging in Loki’s eyes, it was a sentiment shared.

An eternity must have passed, for suddenly the sky just seemed that much brighter, the air a thousand times lighter.

Loki was the first to breach the silence.

"What was that?" he murmured.

"An apology."

“What more than that?”

"My swansong."

Loki blanched. "Mobius…"

"I don't want to regret anything.” The wind carried Mobius’ wish away, and with it, every shred of doubt.

He truly loved Loki, and reciprocated or not, he wanted Loki to know.

"I don't want to forget you." Mobius thumbed the hollow of Loki’s cheek, committing every dimple, every laugh line to memory. "However this is gonna end, good or bad, I really don't see an outcome where I don't forget you."

Loki’s face crumpled. "You won't."

For something that came as naturally to Loki as breathing, he must have forgotten how to lie; it felt like every inch of his face was giving him away, from the false bravado of his words down to the quivering of his lips. "I'm unforgettable."

Mobius had seen Loki driven to tears countless times throughout his long, long life, but he drew the line at Loki crying because of him.  

He climbed to his feet. "I should go.”

"You're leaving? Now?"

Mobius nodded. "Ravonna's waiting. It's time to finish this."

“Without telling the others?” Loki pleaded. “Sylvie’s going to kill you for leaving once she wakes up.”

“I’ve already said my goodbyes.” Mobius smiled kindly. “I came out here to see you.” One last time.

He quickly turned his back while Loki was still sitting stunned on the ground and fished the Tempad out of his pocket.

A press of a button later, the Time Door materialised in front of him, ominous and beckoning.

What lay beyond used to be home. Now? It was a death trap, but one Mobius simply must walk through. It was his duty.

But before he could take another step,

“Mobius, wait!”

A hand grabbed the bend of his elbow and against his better judgment, Mobius turned, only to stumble backward when Loki launched himself at him, locking chest to chest, lips to lips.

The kiss lasted for a while and tasted of sorrow.

"One for the journey." There were tears in Loki's eyes.

So much for not making you cry. "See you at world's end, Loki."

"Goodbye, my friend.”

#lokius #loki tv #mobius m mobius #wowki #time husbands #fic #loki x mobius

[magicmanias]

The Story of Creation

Episode 1 of Polaris

[per - uh - jee] (n). Astronomy. the point in the orbit of a heavenly body at which it is nearest to the earth.

Pairing: Loki x Reader

Summary: A fugitive out of time + interdimensional space travel + a love story. Always on the run, and while Loki might be able to escape the TVA, he always gravitates towards you. Not even bending the fabric of space and time itself can cut his heartstrings.  Occurs after the events of Endgame. Replaces Loki mini-series timeline.

Warnings: Blood, Death, Mild Violence

Word Count: 3.0k

A/N: I'M BACK BABY! *cue sit-com cheers* I thought of this mess of a series, and I had to get back into writing, damn it. I hope you enjoy it! Feedback is always welcomed!

<- Previous | Next ->

He did not think this through.

The fallen god grasped at the ground beneath him. He’s covered in ash and the air around him burns and freezes. He smelled smoke and fire and then blood and flesh. He pushed himself up off the metal floor. “Where the hell am I?”

A weak moan alerted him, and to his left, he found a man in his final seconds. The dying man lifted his arm weakly; his fingers shook. He rasped out a last cry for help at his prince before his hand fell and his soul was sent to Valhalla. Loki knew that man. He sold Blåveis and wildflowers at the edge of the market when he was a child. Why was he here… dying a warrior’s death?

“Our crew is made up of Asgardian families.” A transmission. “We have very few soldiers here. This is not a warcraft. I repeat this is not a warcraft.” Asgardian? This ship certainly wasn’t Asgardian... Why was this man sending a mayday call?

“Hear me and rejoice…”

The bodies around him were all Asgardians. Soldiers and men laid lifeless in this iron room—on this ship that was not a warcraft. Surely Thor wouldn’t let this happen… Nor Odin. How did this happen?

He was no less confused when he heard his brother speaking on the other side of a large crack in the metal wall. On the level below him stood his brother trapped in steel and strange beings he’d never encountered. One was tall with a gauntlet of gold like the one Odin kept locked away in his vault. He was collecting Infinity Stones… Behind him was a thin and sinister figure. And another was… himself. With the tesseract. Like the one that was… where was it?

“Loki?” A woman watched him from behind a fallen support beam. In her hands was the Tesseract. Her lip curled downward and her brow wrinkled in confusion. “Why do you have this?”

“Who are you?” Alright, so she knew his name, and he clearly didn’t know her. Her clothes were not of Asgard. The dress was revealing and unfitted to her, the straps her too long, making the neckline only slip further. Even as she watched him carefully, she still absentmindedly pulled up the straps.

“Wha—”

A scream from below interrupted the woman. She ran to the edge of the room and peered through the wall. Loki could not see what was happening, but the horror in the woman’s eyes said enough.

“Oh Valhalla...” Her hand clamped over her mouth. Loki slowly approached the source of the screams before he heard his own voice.

“ALL RIGHT, STOP!!” The woman gasped and stepped back, turning to face him. Her eyes watered and her bottom lip trembled. She turned back to him.

“Who are you?” she demanded, though her voice wavered. “Are you one of them?”

Loki scoffed. “I haven’t the slightest ide—”

“Why do you look like him?” she cut him off. “You’re not Loki,” she insisted.

Loki chuckled nervously, but he flashed a charming smile and lifted his hands hoping to appear non-threatening. He started to approach her, trying to figure out a way to get the Tesseract back.

“Don’t come any closer! I will—use this!” she warned, holding the cube in between the two of them.

“Do you even know how to use that?”

“Um—well, do you?”

“I got here with that thing, didn’t I? Now give it back.” He stretched his hand out to her, but she didn’t move a muscle.

“No, I—”

Loki had enough. He wanted answers. Now. The woman gasped as he disappeared and reappeared in front of her in a flash of green, the cube now in his hand and her arm in his other. “Tell me where I am.”

She stared at his grip on her. “You’re not my Loki…” she inquired once more.

A daunting whir of hums and struggles came from the crack. The woman peered back at the scene below. Thor’s muffled cry filled the walls of the iron room, but it was the woman’s scream that shook Loki to his core. She fell to the floor and wailed and howled in agony. A weak “no” and soft pleas escaped her tears.

Loki glanced through the hole as the woman started to gulp air between her sobs. His lifeless body was strewn on the floor, and a purple haze shrouded his view of the scene below. Amethyst flames began to surround the ship. Metal and dead men were enveloped in the blaze. Loki never liked the heat…

It appeared that Loki’s time here… wherever he was, was about to come to an end. Blue light encased his fingertips and the cube materialized before him. A sharp choking sound clouded out Loki’s attempts to think of anywhere he could go—the woman.

“Shit…” Using his free arm, Loki pulled the woman up before she could protest. “This better work.” He lifted the Tesseract and prayed the silvery clouds encasing him and his new acquaintance would take him anywhere better than here.

Loki sat up covered in sand. Again, more heat. He was really starting to think this damned cube was more a curse than a blessing.

“Oh… ow…” The woman groaned and rubbed her puffy eyes. Squinting under the desert sun, she glanced around to view her surroundings before her eyes widened in realization. “Oh shit!” Her hands returned to the ground, burying themselves in the sand frantically.

She whipped around in a haze of anger and hysteria. “Take me back!” she screamed to him. “Take me back!”

“What the hell are you talking about!? That ship is gone—and I just saved your life!” Loki argued, but she wasn’t listening and continued to dig through the sand. Loki ignored her as he concealed the cube under his magic. He looked back up to see the woman still clawing at the sand. “Who are you?”

“Take… Take me back,” she begged, slowly giving up on the sand. “I have to go back.”

Loki watched the woman break into sobs once again. His grip on the dagger up his sleeve softened and his gaze relaxed. “Who are you?” he asked once more.

“Is this some cruel trick you played Loki? Because it’s horribly unfunny!”

“I assure you that I don’t have the slightest clue as to what you’re referring. That… Loki. He wasn’t me.” Where did this damn thing take him?

“I don’t believe you. You… Out of all the things you’ve done Loki. Lying, stealing, killing, faking your death. I’m… I can’t take it! You promised you wouldn’t—”

A flash of orange cut off the woman. The light shaped itself into a doorway above the dunes.

“What the hell—” Loki turned on his heel to face the orange portal in time to see four men step out two-by-two. Their tailored coats were labeled with “TVA” and Loki’s stomach immediately dropped. “Shit.”

One of the men in the back handed the forefront man a clipboard from which he read off, “Mister Laufeyson and… friend. The TVA requests your presence at headquarters. You are under arrest for meddling in with the fabric of space-time. Please be compliant and come with us. Your friend can come if she’d like.”

“I’m not going anywhere with you,” Loki insisted. “If you don’t mind, I would hate to have all this trouble I’ve been through go to waste. Thank you. Bye!” Just as he was about to pull out the Tesseract, one of the men suddenly appeared in front of him and pulled out a pair of handcuffs. Loki threw a dagger at the man, hitting him square in the chest. The man merely looked down at the weapon, no change in his expression. He grabbed onto the handle of the dagger and pulled it out. No blood, the wound already healed.

“Please comply, Mister Laufeyson. The TVA expects your arrival,” he said.

“I don’t think so.” Loki revealed the Tesseract with his magic, praying it would take him somewhere good for once. But as soon as he took it out, the handcuffs were tightened on his wrist. The emotionless man repeated his request for compliance.

The other men move then, making their way to the woman. She stands slowly and silently allows them to escort her to the portal. She refuses to meet Loki’s eyes as they both walk defeated to the portal.

“So he’s really not lying then,” she said quietly. Her hands dug into her skirts. Her hair covered half of her face, but anyone could make out the tears that lined her cheeks.

“No, I’m afraid not, Miss,” Mobius answered. “I regret to say your actual husband is gone.”

She pushed the desk and her metal chair screeched on the linoleum floor. Loki didn’t look up from his hands planted on his tan prisoner uniform pants as he listened to her distant footsteps and the sound of a closing door. He tugged at the cuffs on his wrists. He could feel the magic dampened in his veins. The muscles in his forearms felt dull.

“Loki,” Mobius started. “As you can see, the warrant for your arrest specifies that we will have to prosecute you. You’ve broken several laws, violating the guidelines of linear time travel as well as interdimensional voyaging. While our agents are currently fixing the mess you made, including sending that lovely woman back to Earth-200000, you will, of course, have to be sent back to Earth-199999 so that the course of events and play as they were supposed—”

“You’re going to kill her.”

“Excuse me?”

The door kicked open again. Another agent in a clean suit marched in with a glass plate in hand with a sandwich laying on top. He placed the sandwich on the desk and left as quickly as he came in. “The woman. There’s nothing to send her back to. The ship she was on was destroyed before I saved her. You’re not sending her back. You’re going to kill her.”

Mobius leaned forward on his desk, clasping his hands. “We’re simply sending her back straight back to the time and place she left. If that happens to lead to her death, so be it. That’s her fate.” He paused to rest his head on his hands. “What do you care anyway? You don’t know her.

Loki hesitates to answer. No, he didn’t know her, but… he can’t stop thinking about how she reacted when… he died. The he that she married. Devoted herself to. She looked… dead inside. Hollow. Did she feel as he did when he fell from the Rainbow Bridge all those years ago? Was he looking at her the way Thor did when he let go?

“Are you going to eat that by the way?” Mobius pointed to the sandwich. “That’s technically for you, but I skipped lunch.” He didn’t wait for Loki’s answer before bending over the desk and taking the sandwich before taking a large bite out of the corner. Loki leaned back in his seat.

“If she was my wife in another dimension, I can’t help but be curious. Perhaps I’d enjoy her company.” Loki tilted his head. The gears turned in his head. He needed to figure out a way to escape. The TVA took the Tesseract from him, and he wasn’t keen on making an exit in prisoner attire.

“I didn’t know you had a thing for widows.”

“Well, I can’t say it’s never crossed my mind,” Loki smirked.

Mobius chuckled and took another bite of the sandwich. “Sadly, we’ll never know how that would work out. An agent will escort you to your holding cell until further notice.” An agent waited for Loki to stand and directed him towards the exit. “Oh, and thank you for your compliance.”

The TVA looked awfully like Midgard, perhaps from some decades ago. The architecture was garish, and the employees were... disconcerting. Each bred and born for a specific purpose. His… Odin once told him about the Time Variance Authority. Existing in an infinite dominion between worlds, a bureaucracy that rules the operations of time across the multiverse. Workers are cloned to working perfecting. Minimize disputes, increase efficiency.

The agent guided him down another long hall with identical doors lining the walls, opening and closing as countless numbers of agents entered and exited them. Loki glanced to his left. An agent walked through the door… to a jungle on the other side. To his right, a female agent exited a metropolis with flying vehicles. Another escorted a Krylorian to a portal leading to a crashing ocean. The chains between his limbs clinked as he strolled down the hall that never seemed to end.

“Thank you. I… think I’m ready now.” You stood in front of a closed door, holding the hand of an agent. He nodded and you dropped his hand. He opened the door, silently motioning her towards the shipwreck that Loki had rescued you from a mere couple of hours ago.

Loki muttered your name.

“Oh, uh hello.” You shifted uncomfortably. “I have to say. I think you look better in green.”

Loki smiled softly. “I think this attire might be worse than my actual punishment.”

You chuckled in return. “At least I can die in dignity in my own clothing.”

Loki was taken aback. “You’re not serious?” Loki again noticed the state of your appearance. Eyes flushed and puffy and red. Your bottom lip was swollen as you continued to chew on it.

“I am.” He said your name once more, like he was in disbelief that you would be so willing to give up your life like this. He reminded you so much of the man you married. Always the survivalist. It was strange to see the face of the love of your life standing before you even though it wasn’t really him. Some part of you wished your husband was the one standing before you, but there stood a slightly younger version of the god that you would have given your life for... in the flesh. “I hate to end our new friendship on such a bad note, but you do age quite a bit in the next few years. Try to sleep more, my dear Loki.”

The god scoffed and turned his head. “I’m not letting you just… kill yourself.”

“I’m just taking a page from your book.” You swallowed, a frown evident on your lips. “I assume you did the same as my Loki after Thor destroyed the Rainbow Bridge.” You turned and looked at the scene of the broken ship floating in the cosmos. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that… Take care of yourself, Loki.”

Loki grasped your wrist before you could walk through causing the cuffs to pull his other arm up. The agent behind Loki tapped his shoulder, insisting that they needed to move on, but he ignored his probes.

“I’m not letting you walk through that door.”

“My husband is dead.” There was an insistence in your voice that you seldom used, and yet your breath quivered. The tip of your nose was cold. The tears welled up in your eyes once more, but you sighed and wiped your eyes. “It’s okay,” you whispered. “I want to be with him. Let me go, Loki.”

The agent now placed a firm hand on Loki’s shoulder. “Mr. Laufeyson. It’s time to go.”

Loki turned back around, a devilish grin lining his lips. “Yes, I believe it is.”

In a trice, the agent behind Loki was on the floor and the one guiding you was on the other side of the door, floating in the ship debris where you were supposed to be. The raucous alerted the other agents in the hall who turned their heads in the direction of the noise. They began to make their way towards you. Loki acted quickly, lifting his cuffed hands above your head and looping his arm around your waist, pulling you to the other side of the hall.

“Are you ready?” he asked, backing up slightly like he was readying himself for a leap. Loki didn’t wait for your answer and ran straight towards the open door across from him. You saw a small glimpse of a grassy field before hitting solid ground.

“Why did you do that!?” You whipped your head up, your hair strewn about your face in a wild mess. Your ill-fitting clothes were now caked in dirt and grass stains. You stood on a hill overlooking a… rather familiar landscape.

“I saved your life. Again!” He pointed an accusatory finger at you, but the effort was lost with his bound hands. He grunted in frustration.

“I-I wanted to go. I didn’t want to be saved!”

Loki took in a hot breath. “You wouldn’t have seen him anyway. Valhalla is a heaven for warriors and your valiant death wouldn’t have given you an in.”

That you laughed at, if not bitterly. “You always said you’d go to Hel. I intended on seeing you there.”

“I am not your husband,” Loki spat, venom lining his words.

“No! You’re not. Yet you’ve kept me from him,” you said matching the malice in his voice.

Two voices interrupted your argument.

“Goddess, you will ruin me one day.” A young boy with inky hair ran up on the other side of the hill, holding a posy of flowers. He looked down the hill and knelt down, reaching his hand out. An equally tiny hand held onto his hand, letting him pull up. A girl pushed up and sat on the peak of the hill. He awkwardly shoved the flowers in her hands, like he’d been holding them for her when they climbed up the mound of dirt and grass.

“My mother says you’re dangerous, Trickster,” the girl taunted, reorganizing the flowers in a prettier arrangement. “Like the Midgard Serpent. You’ll strike when we least expect it.”

“Perhaps I’ll marry you. Your mother surely wouldn’t expect that,” the boy smirked. The girl pretended to attack her friend, attempting to make him jump. She wasn’t strong enough to knock him down though, and he snickered. He pushed her playfully, but she slipped and rolled down the hill, giggling the entire way down. The boy hopped down, rolling and laughing along with her.

“Oh Valhalla…” You paled.

“What?” Loki prodded. Watching the children at the bottom of the hill.

“We have to hide. Now.”

Loki was about to prompt her for an explanation, but the little girl’s playful wail answered his questions instantly.

“Loki!”

#loki x reader #loki #marvel #marvel cinematic universe #loki (tv) #loki tv #loki laufeyson #loki odinson #loki x you #reader insert #fanfic #loki x reader fanfic #loki (marvel) #loki fanfic #loki x reader angst #loki x reader fluff #perigee #episode 1 #dearspacepirates

[aster-ion]

Sylvie x Loki Might Not Happen and Here’s Why

***SPOILERS FOR LOKI TV SHOW***

1.  They are basically siblings

Even though they have different personalities, backstories, and physical appearances, that doesn't change the fact that they are the genetic equivalent of siblings. No matter what Timeline you're looking at, both Sylvie and Loki are the offspring of Laufey and whoever he had children with. We know this because they are Variants of the exact same person, meaning that if either of them were born to someone other than Laufey, they would have been pruned as a baby. And since they weren't, that means they must be just as genetically similar as siblings are.

Because of this, the idea of Sylvie and Loki engaging in any kind of romantic or sexual relationship is extremely disturbing to a lot of fans. It's too big an oversight to brush past, especially when the show has continued to remind us over and over that they are, in fact, both Lokis. Maybe if them being the same person wasn't such a major plot point, it would be easier to ignore the facts, but it is, and that means that Marvel is basically pushing either an incest or selfcest (depending on how you look at it) type relationship. And that’s extremely risque for a corporation as large as Marvel, especially with a character as beloved by fans as Loki. 

2.  It is terrible LGBTQ+ representation

And before anyone says anything, no, it is not because Sylvie is portrayed as female and Loki as male. I've seen a lot of Sylvie x Loki shippers say that the reason people don't like the couple is due to it being one between a male and female, but that's not true. Loki and Sylvie were both confirmed to be bisexual, meaning that they can engage in a relationship with anyone of any gender. It would be completely valid for either of them to pursue romance with someone of a different sex and still be bisexual. No one is arguing against that, and if they are, I definitely do not agree with them.

However, the problem comes in when you take into account Marvel and Disney's (who owns Marvel) long history of queerbaiting. There have been countless times that Disney advertises their "first gay character!" only for it to be a single line of dialogue or a brief shot. Marvel in particular has used the popularity of certain LGBTQ+ ships and headcanons in their fanbase to generate media popularity that they don't actually follow through with in their movies/shows. So when Loki was confirmed to be both genderfluid and bisexual in Episode Three, lots of people felt like they were finally getting a win for representation. 

But those people, myself included, appear to have been let down again. The first two official queer characters had so much potential to go off and be with anyone they wanted, but instead, the show has set them up to be in a romance with each other. Now, this wouldn't be problematic on it's own, but when you take into consideration the questionable nature of their romance from Point One as well as the fact that the show has explicitly referred to it as "twisted," it raises the question of whether or not this is actually good representation. Because the fact is, in one episode the writers went “look, it’s two queer people!” and in the next, they said “their relationship is disgusting and demented.” Marvel’s first bisexual characters being borderline incestuous/selfcestuous does not sit well with me at all.

All of this is made even more confusing when you take into account the background of the Loki crew, most notably, the director Kate Herron. She also directed the Netflix series Sex Education, which has quite a bit of very well done representation of all kinds. So how is she managing to fail so badly on this project? It makes me wonder whether she truly is just losing her touch or if this is all a misdirection. Personally, I'm hoping for the latter.

3.  It does not send the "self love" message people seem to think it does

The writers, director, and cast of Loki have said multiple times that the relationship between Sylvie and Loki is meant to act as a metaphor for self love. And in a way, that makes a lot of sense. Despite creating different identities for themselves over time, they are still ultimately the same person and therefore share a special bond because of it. And there's a lot of potential that can be done with that concept.

Loki is an extremely complex and intriguing character. He has experienced a lot of trauma in his past that has shaped him into the person he is today. And that person is clearly very broken. He has never given away or received any kind of love, with the exception of his mother and possibly his brother, Thor. Other than that, he's had no healthy friendships, romances, or perception of himself. It makes sense for him to be confused by this pull he feels towards Sylvie, who is both alarmingly alike and vastly different from himself.

Something this series does exceptionally well is breaking Loki out of his comfort zone. He is finally forced to see himself from other people's perspectives. It started with the file Mobius showed him in the first episode. Loki was able to view his actions apart from himself, and was hit with the realisation that he had been hurting people, and he didn't like that. 

Loki is also confronted by the existence of the Time Keepers and the TVA, who describe him as an antagonist and nothing more. To them, his role is to make those around him look better, even if that means he repeatedly gets the short end of the stick. Mobius mentions that he disagrees with this and that Loki "can be whoever and whatever he wants, even someone good," adding another layer of depth as to who Loki could be in the future of the series. 

Another huge moment for Loki's character development is while in the Time Loop Prison with Sif. Though he starts out annoyed with the situation and recalls not feeling apologetic when he cut off Sif's hair, the longer he is in the loop, the more he changes. Loki admits things to himself that we have never seen him say aloud, such as the fact that he is a narcissist that craves attention. Sif telling Loki over and over that he deserves to be alone makes Loki question whether or not he believes that to be true, allowing him an introspective moment where he really has to think about who he is. 

Now with all of that being said, I'd like to tie in why this is important to the writing of Loki and Sylvie. They act as a mirror to one another, representing both the flaws and strengths of "what makes a Loki a Loki." For once, Loki gets an honest, unbiased look at himself without layers of expectations or self doubt. On Lamentis, he calls Sylvie "amazing" and praises her for all her accomplishments. That's a huge moment for him because it shows that despite also finding her irritating, he can look past those traits and see someone worth being a hero underneath. And through that realisation, he begins to understand that he can also grow to love himself. That kind of character development for Loki is incredible to watch, and it's the kind of character development I want to see from this series. Unfortunately, them possibly engaging in a romantic relationship will ruin it.

Whenever I'm feeling insecure about myself and my abilities, the solution has never been to look at who I am through a romantic lens. Self love is an entirely different type of love from romantic love, so if the series tries to push this relationship as a romance, it will fail to truly represent the arc that they are trying to show.

4.  Nobody likes it 

This one's a little on the nose, but it's true. Almost no one likes this ship, and more than that, most people actively hate it. Yes, there is a small minority that like Loki and Sylvie together, but there is an overwhelmingly larger group that is disgusted and angry by the fact that the show paired them up.

After Episode 4 aired, I ranted for about an hour and a half with a friend about how much we didn't want them together. My aunt whom I have never texted reached out to me to say that she hated their relationship. My homophobic neighbour came over and told me that she would prefer any other romance to this. Friends that I haven't talked to much since school let out for summer have all agreed that they collectively dislike Loki x Sylvie. This ship has brought people together purely because everyone hates it more than they hate each other.

There is no denying that the general feedback for Loki and Sylvie being a couple has been negative, even if you support them getting together for some reason. So if there are so many people out there who don't like it, I'm confused as to how it would be approved by a team of professionals.

5.  The contradicting information we have gotten so far

Before the release of Episode Four, Kate Herron said that the relationship between Loki and Sylvie was “not necessarily romantic.” During the interview, she continued to refer to them as friends and people who found solace and trust in each other.

However, after Episode Four, the head writer, Michael Waldron, and other members of the crew spoke up about Sylvie and Loki. They said things like “it just felt right that that would be Loki’s first real love story” and “these are two beings of pure chaos that are the same person falling in love with one another.” These kinds of comments very heavily imply something romantic, directly contradicting what Kate Herron said. Even Tom Hiddleston, the actor for Loki, has assessed the situation, highlighting the differing viewpoints. He’s also said before that the end of Episode Four ultimately has Loki getting in his own way. 

Now, this could all just be a misdirection on either side to build suspense for the show, but as of right now, it is entirely unclear who is telling the truth. Though it is more likely that the statements made by Michael Waldron are more accurate (as he is the writer), there is still a slight possibility that Loki x Sylvie won’t happen. I’ll link the articles I’ve found on this topic below so you can read them and decide for yourself. 

Kate Herron Statement - https://www.cbr.com/loki-sylvie-relationship-not-romantic/ 

Michael Waldron Statement - https://www.marvel.com/articles/tv-shows/loki-sylvie-in-love 

Tom Hiddleston Statement - https://thedirect.com/article/loki-tom-hiddleston-sylvie-romance 

6.  It is still salvageable

The odds are not in our favour, I’m afraid. It is highly probable that the show will put Loki and Sylvie in a romantic relationship with each other. Yet there is still a way to salvage it and turn their bond into something incredibly satisfying. Like I mentioned in Point Three, the relationship between Loki and Sylvie has the potential to be incredibly empowering and provide both characters some much-needed growth. And I believe that while unlikely, it can still do that. 

The only mention of them being romantically interested in each other came from Mobius, who at the time was angry, betrayed, and doing anything he could to get Loki to talk. Then, at the end of the episode, right before Loki is about to confess something important to Sylvie, he is pruned. This results in no explicit confirmation from either Loki or Sylvie that they are in love with each other. The audience is left not knowing whether Mobius was correct in his speculations, and honestly, I don’t think Loki knows either.

Loki is no expert on love, as I explained earlier. It is entirely possible that he doesn’t grasp how he feels about Sylvie and defaults to romance because of what Mobius said. There is undoubtedly some sort of deep bond forming between them, and I would love to see that being explored in the next two episodes. I would love to watch Loki’s journey of realising that he doesn’t want anything romantic with Sylvie, and was simply confused by the new things he was feeling towards her. Loki even says “this is new for me” when talking to Sylvie at the end of Episode Four. Him momentarily believing that he wants to be a couple with her then shifting into them becoming friends who help each other grow is still a reality that could happen. And ultimately, I think that would benefit them both as characters as well as strengthen the overall message of the show.

In a show about self love, acceptance of yourself, and figuring out who you want to be, Loki very much needs people who support him. He has that in Mobius already, and now he’s beginning to have it in Sylvie as well. I just hope that it is done in a way that resonates with the audience and subverts expectations, which just cannot be done through some twisted romantic relationship. I’ve spoken to others watching the show and seen people talking online, and everyone seems to agree that Loki and Sylvie work much better as platonic soulmates or found family than a couple. 

Of course, my hopes aren’t that high up. While I’d love for this to happen, I’ve been let down by Marvel before and wouldn’t be surprised if they went for the easy route of pairing characters up rather than dealing with the emotions correctly. Still, I have hope for this series. Everything else about it is wonderful and perfect in every way. It has the potential to become a masterpiece and easily the best thing that Marvel has ever done. However, this romance would ruin it for me and so many others. We already feel incredibly disappointed by Loki x Sylvie being suggested, so I can’t even begin to fathom how people will react if the show makes it canon. I’m begging Marvel to please do better than this. They have a wonderful story to tell and a wonderful team to do it, and I hope from the bottom of my heart that they don’t throw that away. 

#marvel #loki #sylvie #mobius #loki x sylvie #loki x mobius #kate herron #michael waldron #disney #lgbtq #representation #tva #loki tv

[ssmeowl123]

Is the main timeline Loki really dead? Or...(Contains spoilers for LOKI series episode 1 and 2)

I re-watched Loki's death scene in Infinity War because I needed to cry. I decided to put it to 0.5 speed, just for laughs. But then I saw it. When Thanos just threw Loki down to the ground after choking him "to death", his hand is on the ground, palm down, in the first photo. Thor is still trapped in the metal things, as you can see in the background. Then there's the explosion, and Thor is hugging Loki in the second photo. Look closer. Yes, the part circled with the red ink. I doubt when people die their hands will be in fists, or lifted up from the ground. In the first photo, it was lying flat on the surface. In the second photo, it's tilted upwards. I doubt Thor hugging Loki will make his hand curl into a fist and lift upwards. So there are actually two theories for this case: One, the last thing Loki felt was Thor hugging him. Maybe his life went with the explosion, but again, we don't know. I mean, this is Loki we're talking about. The guy who faked his death twice, and so maybe he goes by "third time's the charm", not fourth, who knows? But again, there's the second theory: The Loki who died was the "glorious purpose" Loki. Get it? No? Fine, I'll explain. The Loki who died might just be A), And Illusion. B), the 2012 Loki. Most likely option A. Why? Here's a list: 1. The main timeline Loki knows how powerful Thanos is. So he just wouldn't jab a dagger at his throat, because it's, to be honest, dumb. However, the 2012 Loki just doesn't know what Thanos is capable of. So he chooses the direct approach, god-of-mischief style, which got him killed. But then again, it just might be an illusion, because 2012 Loki isn't that dumb either. He might have sent an illusion in his place to grasp how powerful Thanos currently is, because Loki just isn't that big of a risk taker. Or a third option, the main timeline Loki sent an illusion because he knew that it would most probably cost his life facing the mad titan that isn't in the history books. 2. Again, it just might be the 2012 Loki who died. Let's recap Episode 2. Loki, I mean, 2012 Loki had a theory that Lady Loki might be hiding in an apocalypse when he saw the Ragnarok file. He wanted to go to Ragnarok, didn't he? And one thing to keep in mind about Loki: He always gets what he wants, it's just a matter of time. And when was Loki killed? Right after Ragnarok. Make sense? 3. So I get it, most theories don't have solid evidence, but think about it, it's possible that main timeline Loki isn't dead, isn't it? This is the God of Mischief we're talking about, the guy who experienced his mother's death (I didn't want to mention it either), got "killed", ruled Asgard impersonating Odin, worked together with his brother and fought his sister. He evaded death not once, but two times, and let's count three, because he's back with the Loki series. think about it, when you saw Loki after he got "killed" by Kurse, you were like "What the HELL I SAW HIM DIE." Don't lie, I was like that too. Well, unless, you saw the spoilers, but same reaction when you learned that piece of information. I guess what I'm trying to say is: Loki just won't die that easily. He either just has the whole intricate plan mapped out in his head, or it was just pure luck. Whichever theory of mine you believe, comment and tell me! I'd love to hear some feedback, and criticism is welcome. <333

#loki is not dead #loki series #loki odinson #loki laufeyson #loki's death #infinity war #loki theories #why loki isn't dead #is loki alive

[mischiefvariant]

don't get me wrong i love genderfluid bi loki with my entire heart, and being a genderfluid panromantic person seeing someone who is like me in the mcu means a lot to me (especially considering that we almost never see genderfluid representation anywhere let alone from major corporations like disney) but they did a really shitty job at it?? we're five out of six episodes in and so far they haven't done anything to recognize loki's gender fluidity, and don't tell me that the female variant counts because it doesn't. at all. sylvie may be a loki variant but she's a separate character. they said they "worked really hard" to represent his gender fluidity in the show and i still haven't seen jack shit. i want to give them the benefit of the doubt and wait and see if they'll do something meaningful with it in the last episode but i don't want to get my hopes too high knowing that its disney.

also wouldn't be surprised tbh if disney allowed the spit ship to happen because they pair up any male and female character that has stepped within 10 feet of each other.

if we get genderfluid loki representation in the last episode that would be really neat but i'm disappointed that they wasted the opportunity to explore his identity these past five episodes. very on character for disney to wait last minute to throw us our breadcrumbs lol

i think... the people working on this show have zero idea what gender fluidity is 💀 they seem to think that just having one (1) woman presenting loki variant is representation enough for them to go "yeah we really tried !" and then still write in stupid "omg! a woman loki! scary!" jokes as if that makes any fucking sense, like loki isn't aware he's gender+sex fluid ???? do u think he just discovered this lmfao ???? god. it really does feel like they just fully have no idea what they're doing. i've got my fingers crossed for a season 2 cause hopefully seeing some feedback might make them do a few things better in the future

#answered

[elizatungusnakur]

Thank you for the Loki podcast, but I'd love to hear also about different experiences from these.

I've never had this 'funny' 'chummy' entertaining side. Actually no, I had it once, on and off for a day, a special day. But that's one day in 2 1/2 years.

I've never had stuff being moved around, things falling off counters. I've never had the two way conversation through the day, the input while you drive, or even the feeling of candy being accepted. Pretty much everything you describe i have no experience of. I know it's said each experience is different for different people, but what you've described here is the only one I hear or read about. Loki is formal around me. I've talked about it, asked, is there a reason you don't show me that side?

Offerings, giving time, lots of other things. I don't *think* I'm doing anything actually offensive. So I don't know why. But I hear and read stuff like this and feel totally, totally left out not just by him but by the Loki 'community'. Doesn't anyone else feel like this? I'd love to here from them. I would love to hear a podcast chat where one of you speaks to one of them, it would help so much, I'm sure I can't be the only one. Maybe it would be encouraging or maybe you would see into an experience foreign to you, too. Or maybe you could help us not be sad.

But thanks for this cos I did have a giggle. Even though I felt sad by the end.

Hello, kind Anon! Thank you so much for taking the time to write to us. I appreciate the feedback of this community, and yours here, very much. In fact it's fantastic feedback. Firstly I want to say you are correct in voicing your opinions on this matter. Your way of working and interacting with Loki is just as important and valid as anyone else's.

Secondly it's true that the Lokean community, when vocal on the internet, has more a tendency to talk about the "chummy" and fun interactions as you call them. The darker or more formal side can sometimes get brushed over. Loki is a multi-faceted being we will all continue to experience in unique ways, as is right with any one-to-one relationship, human or deity alike.

My own relationship with Loki? Is not incredibly chummy either. Intimate and sometimes sassy, yes. But it's still a reserved and serious intimacy. Also, unlike our hosts in this episode, I've not witnessed the poltergeist side of Loki much at all. Nor do I offer him a large amount of sweets or experience constant clairaudience during the day. I don't really want that to be part of my practice either, because I wouldn't enjoy it. And so my offerings tend to be more formal too, and that's my choice in the end. It's all relative, so I see your point of view and welcome it. :)

Our podcast team plan to take this feedback on board and incorporate different voices into future episodes for more widespread community representation. We'll also be including more direct submissions shortly.

I hope in reading this it made you feel a little less sad, but either way, I'm glad we were able to make you giggle a little bit today too. Have a lovely day! :)

#I LOVE FEEDBACK #welcome! #feedback #podcast #lokean #lightning struck lokeans #anon ask

[twh-news]

Loki' composer on how her MCU score reflects the main character's flair for the dramatic

By Josh Weiss

Natalie Holt's timeline was turned upside down last fall when she landed the highly-coveted composer gig for Marvel Studios' Loki series on Disney+.

"My agent got a general call-out looking for a composer on a Marvel project," she tells SYFY WIRE during a conversation over Zoom. "So, I didn’t know what it was. It was [described as] spacey and quite epic ... I sent in my show reel and then got an interview and got sent the script and then I realized what it was for. I was like, ‘Oh my god!’ It was amazing ... Loki was already one of my favorite characters, so I was really stoked to get to give him a theme and flesh him out in this way."

***WARNING! The following contains certain plot spoilers for the first four episodes of Loki!***

Imbued with glorious purpose, Holt knew the score had to match the show's gonzo premise about the Time Variance Authority, an organization that secretly watches over and manages every single timeline across the Marvel multiverse. The proposition of such an out-there sci-fi concept inspired the composer to bring in uniquely strange sounds, courtesy of synthesizers and a theremin.

"I got my friend, Charlie Draper, to play the theremin on my pitch that I had to do," she recalls. "They gave me a scene to score, which I’m sure they gave to loads of other composers. It was the Time Theater sequence in Episode 1. The bit from where he goes up the elevator and then into the Time Theater ... I just went to town on it and I wanted to impress them and win the job and put as many unusual sounds in there and make it as unique as possible."

The end result was a weird, borderline unnatural sound that wouldn't have felt out of place in a 1950s sci-fi B-movie about big-headed alien invaders. Rather than being turned off by Holt's avant garde ideas, Marvel Studios head honcho Kevin Feige embraced them, only giving the composer a single piece of feedback: "Push it further."

Holt admits that she was slightly influenced by Thor: Ragnarok ("I loved the score for it and everything"), which wasn't afraid to lean into the wild, Jack Kirby-created ideas floating around Marvel's cosmic locales. Director Taika Waititi's colorful and bombastic set pieces were perfectly complimented by an '80s-inspired score concocted by Devo co-founder, Mark Mothersbaugh.

"To be honest, I tried not to listen to it on its own," Holt says of the Ragnarok soundtrack. "I didn’t want to be too influenced by it. I watched the film a couple of times a few years ago, so yeah, I don’t think I was heavily referencing it. But I definitely had a memory of it in my mind."

After boarding Loki last September, Holt spent the next six months (mostly in lockdown) crafting a soundtrack that would perfectly reflect the titular god of mischief played by Tom Hiddleston. One of the first things she came up with was the project's main theme — a slightly foreboding cue that pays homage to the temporal nature of the TVA, as well as the main character's flair for the dramatic. "He always does things with a lot of panache and flair, and he’s very classical in his delivery."

She describes it as an "over-the-top grand theme with these ornate flourishes" that plays nicely with Loki's Shakespearean aura. "I wanted those ornaments and grand gestures in what I was doing. Then I also wanted to reflect that slightly analog world of the TVA where everything has lots of knobs and buttons ... [I wanted to] give it that slightly grainy, faded [and] vintage-y sci-fi sound as well."

"I just wanted it to feel like it had this might and weight — like there was something almost like a requiem about it," Holt continues. "These chords that are really powerful and strident and then they’ve got this blinking [sound] over the top. I just came up with that when I was walking down the street and I hummed it into my phone. There’s a video where you can just see up my nose and I’m humming [the theme]. I came home and I played it."

As a classically-trained musician, Holt drew on her love of Mahler, Dvořák, Beethoven, Mozart, and most importantly, Wagner. A rather fitting decision, given that an actual Valkyrie (played by Tessa Thompson) exists within the confines of the MCU.

"I would say those flourishes over the top of the Loki theme are very much Wagner," Holt says. "They’re like 'Ride of the Valkyries.’ I wanted people to kind of recall those big, classical, bombastic pieces and I wanted to give that weight to Loki’s character. That was very much a conscious decision to root it in classical harmony and classical writing ... There’s a touch of the divine to the TVA. It’s in charge of everything, so that’s why those big powerful chords [are there]. I wanted people almost to be knocked off their socks when they heard it."

With the main theme in place, Holt could then play around with it in different styles, depending on the show's different narrative needs. Two prime examples are on display in the very first episode during Miss Minutes' introductory video and the flashback that reveals Loki to be the elusive D.B. Cooper.

"What was really fun was [with] each episode, I got to pull it away and do a samba version of the theme or do a kind of ‘50s sci-fi version of the theme," she explains. "I can’t say other versions of the theme because they’re in Episode 5 and 6…or like when Mobius is pruned, I did this really heartfelt and very emotional [take on the theme] when you see Loki tearing up as he’s going down in slow motion down that corridor. It was cool to have the opportunity to try out so many different styles and genres. And it was big enough to take it all. It was a big enough story."

The other side of the story speaks to the old world grandeur of Loki's royal upbringing on Asgard, a city amongst the stars that eventually found its way into Norse mythology.

"I went to a concert in London three years ago and I heard these Norwegian musicians playing in this group called the Lodestar Trio," Holt recalls. "They do a take on Bach, where they’re kind of giving it a folk-y twist … [They use] a nyckelharpa and a Hardanger fiddle — they’re two historic Norwegian folk instruments. I just remembered that sound and I was like, ‘Oh, I have to use those guys in our score.’ It seemed like the perfect thing. I was like, ‘Yes, the North/Norwegian folk instruments.’ It just felt like it was the perfect thing for his mother and Asgard and his origins."

That folk-inspired sound also helped shape the music for Sylvie (played by Sophia Di Martino), a female variant of Loki with a rather tragic past. "Obviously, we’ve seen in Episode 4 what happened to her as a child," Holt says. "I just feel like she’s so dark. She’s basically grown up living in apocalypses, so she has that Norwegian folk violin sound, but her theme is incredibly dark and menacing and also, you don’t see her. She’s just this dark figure who’s murdering people for a while."

And then there were all the core members of the TVA to contend with. As Holt mentioned above, fans recently lost Agent Mobius (Owen Wilson), may he rest in prune. We mean peace. What? Too soon? During a recent interview with SYFY WIRE, Loki head writer Michael Waldron said that he based Mobius off of Tom Hanks's dogged FBI agent Carl Hanratty in 2002's Catch Me If You Can.

"There’s this thing that he loves jet ski magazines," Holt says. "I had this character in my head and then when I saw Owen Wilson’s performance, I was like, ‘Oh, he’s actually a lot lighter and he plays it in a different way from how I’d imagined.’ But I was listening to Bon Jovi and those slightly rock-y anthemic things. ‘90s rock music for some reason was my Mobius sound palette."

Mobius is pruned on the orders of his longtime friend, Ravonna Renslayer (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), after learning that everyone who works for the TVA is a variant who was unceremoniously plucked out of their original timelines. A high-ranking member of the quantum-based agency, Renslayer has a theme that "is quite tied in with Mobius and it’s like a high organ," Holt adds. "It doesn’t quite know where it’s going yet. But yeah, we’ll have to see what happens with that one."

Wilson's character isn't the only person fed up with the TVA's lies. Hunter B-15 (Wunmi Mosaku) also became disillusioned with the place and allowed Sylvie to escape in the most recent episode

"Hunter B-15 has this moment in Episode 4 where Sylvie shows her her past, her memories. I thought that was a really powerful moment for her," Holt says. I feel like she’s such a fighter and when she comes into the Time-Keepers and she makes that decision, like, ‘I’m switching sides,’ so her theme is more like a drum rhythm. I actually kind of sampled my voice and you can hear that with the drums. I did loads of layers of it, just like this horrible sliding sound with this driving rhythm underneath it. So, that was B-15 and then her softer side when she has her memory given back to her."

Speaking of the Time-Keepers, we finally got to meet the creators of the Sacred Timeline...or at least we thought we did. Loki and Sylvie are shocked to learn that the red-eyed guardians of reality are nothing but a trio of high-end animatronics (ones that could probably be taken out by a raging Nicolas Cage). Even before Sylvie manages to behead one of them, something definitely feels off with the Time-Keepers, which meant Holt could underscore the uncanny valley feeling in the score.

"When they walked in for their audience with the Time-Keepers, it was like this huge gravitas," she says. "But you look up and there’s something a bit wrong about them. I don’t know if you felt that or if you just totally believed. You were like, ‘Oh, this is so strange.’ I just felt like there was something a little bit off and musically, it was fun to play around with that."

Holt is only the second solo female composer to work on an MCU project, following in the footsteps of Captain Marvel's Pinar Toprak. Her involvement with Loki represents the studio's growing commitment to diversity, both in front of and behind the camera. This Friday will see the wide release of Black Widow, the first Marvel film to be helmed solely by a woman (Cate Shortland). Four months after that, Chloé Zhao's Eternals will introduce the MCU's first openly gay character into the MCU.

"I just feel like it’s an honor and a privilege to have had that chance to be the second woman to score a thing in the MCU and to be in the same league as those incredible composers like Mothersbaugh and Alan Silvestri. They're just legends," Holt says. "Another distinctive thing about [the show] is that all the heads of department are pretty much women. Marvel are showing themselves to be really progressive and supportive and encouraging. I applaud [them]. Whatever they’re doing seems to be working and people seem to be liking it as well, so that’s awesome."

Holt's score for Vol. 1 of Loki (aka Episodes 1-3) are now streaming on every music-based platform you could think of. Episodes 1-4 are available to watch on Disney+ for subscribers. Episode 5 (the show's penultimate installment) debuts on the platform this coming Wednesday, July 7.

Natalie isn't able to give up any plot spoilers for the next two episodes (no surprise there), but does tease "the use of a big choir" in one of them. "Episode 6, I’m excited for people to hear it," she concludes. "That’s all I can say."

#Loki #loki series #natalie holt #Loki spoilers #loki series spoilers #Article #Interview #SYFY #Long post

[thelightofthingshopedfor]

open the door and let the flood back in (Loki & Sylvie, 1k words, just a little speculation for the end of episode 4) Rating: General Warnings: no archive warnings apply; references to mind control; very vague reference to torture Summary: Loki's awkwardness would be at least a little endearing under almost any other circumstances, Sylvie thinks, but there’s not much room for anything else alongside the numb hollowness of defeat. (A little speculation, at the last minute when it's no doubt about to be proven wrong, on what Loki might have said at the end of episode 4, other than the obvious, if he hadn't been interrupted. Spoilers through episode 4, obviously. Can be read as shippy or not.)

The nerve endings in my arms are working just fine, yeah, Sylvie almost says, but the snark doesn’t come so easily with the fake Time-Keeper’s head on the floor nearby, and that makes her pause long enough to realize that yes, there’s…something else, something deep inside the core of her magic that she’s never felt before. Something like—the recognition of a touch, or an echo, or both at once even if that really doesn’t make sense. Like she’s reaching out in the dark by instinct, and she knows someone else is reaching back.

She frowns. “Are you doing something?”

“I think we’re doing something,” he says, and now she can feel it, a flicker of suppressed excitement that isn’t just hers.

Sylvie’s eyes widen. “You are not in my head.”

“I’m not,” Loki says. “We’re just—listen, I’ve read about this. It was only ever a theory, nobody’s ever been able to do it properly, but there were scholars who suggested that two people could link their magic together, if—if their souls were similar enough, I think that was how it was discussed at the time, and create something like a feedback loop, continuously amplifying each other’s power. But strangers could never do it because they didn’t know and trust one another, let alone deeply and openly enough to allow that kind of connection, and even for people who did, mages who were lovers or lifelong friends, even if they both genuinely wanted to make the link, their magic wasn’t quite compatible. Not enough for that. A couple pairs of twins came the closest, I think, but all they could really do was boost each other’s power a little, so it was never worth the energy expenditure.”

“Because they weren’t the same,” Sylvie says. She’s pretty sure she can guess where he’s going with this.

“Two variants of the same being—we’re different people, we learned magic differently, we use it in different ways, but it’s still—the root is the same. The energy signature.” He grins. “They did say our temporal aura was the same. They just didn’t realize why it mattered. Or maybe they did, and that’s one reason they made sure only one of us could exist at a time.”

Sylvie is used to drawing power from her core and reaching out with it to take control of other minds. It’s easy enough, most of the time, because she has the process down, but it was exhausting when she was still experimenting—is exhausting, if she spends enough time fighting a strong mind or trying to control too many people at once. She pulls on a tendril of magic and feeds it into the little knot of Loki’s power, and—

It doesn’t disappear. It comes back stronger. In her mind’s eye, their magic glows brighter together, like a fire growing as it finds more to burn. “Okay, yeah, that’s new.”

“The theory was—an exponential increase for both mages. Doubling their power at minimum, like…like two wavelengths amplifying each other, or maybe a lot more than that.” He pushes power into the connection, more than she’d tried, and she can feel it: magnifying her power, which feeds back into his and strengthens it again, which expands hers in return, and they’ve barely even started.

“A lot more,” Sylvie says, staring at him, her mouth suddenly very dry. “Like nuclear fusion levels of a lot.”

His eyes gleam in the dim light. “Exactly. And I think that’s what caused the nexus event. I think our magic would have done it at the last second to save us, and I think we would’ve saved what was left of Lamentis-1 in the process.”

A burst of involuntary magic from both of them at once, at the moment that would otherwise be their deaths, doubling again and again as it passed back and forth between their joined hands—yeah, actually, she can see it. It doesn’t sound so absurd when she can still feel their linked power multiplying right now and they’ve hardly tried. “That’s insane.”

“Goes without saying.”

“We could—” She swallows. “We could do anything.”

“We could do anything,” Loki agrees.

“And do we? Trust each other that much?” she asks, but to be honest she already knows the answer. She reaches back for him, finally, settling her hands on his forearms, and his skin twitches under her fingers—like when she first put her hand on his arm on Lamentis, and he flinched like the last thing he expected was a gentle touch.

Loki’s mouth twists in a faintly sardonic half-smile. “I’m not…good with trust. Gave too much of it for a long time, maybe. And then—” He hesitates. “We might…share some memories, and I haven’t—the TVA knows what happened, I suppose. But there’s a good reason I’ve made sure nobody can get into my head again. You might see why, and it’s…not pretty.”

Okay, yeah, she can imagine a few different reasons for that and none of them are very pleasant. That flinch could hint at an ugly story too. She pulls his hands down, just far enough to interlace her fingers with his, and meets his gaze squarely. “My memories aren’t a laugh riot either. Do you trust me with yours?”

Loki squeezes her hands, just a little. “Yes, actually. You?”

She cocks one eyebrow at him. “Be a little inappropriate to say I’ll show you mine if you show me yours, right?”

He coughs out a laugh. “Maybe a little. So—do you want to try? See what kind of universe-disrupting chaos we can make?”

She tightens her grip. “Yeah. Hell yeah.”

***

[I didn't exactly come up with this idea--I developed more detail about the whole idea of magical amplification, but I know I came across at least one Tumblr post theorizing that Loki and Sylvie were about to do something that would save Lamentis, which was actually caused the nexus event and the TVA's intervention rather than them falling in love or whatever. Unfortunately I'm not actually sure who posted that, and my drafts and likes are already a nightmare, but I will make every effort to find the original post and link to it. I just really wanted to get this posted while, you know, we still can theorize.

Do I think this was actually the intent of the scene? Not really, no, although it sure would've been cool. Is it a little silly to write this when I could potentially find out in just over two hours how wrong I am? Maybe a little bit but on the other hand I finished a short fic and the whole entire point of what I’ve been writing lately is to try to finish some short no-pressure fics without letting them turn into a whole complicated thing in my head, and you know what it fulfills that purpose so I'm cool with it. AO3 link in the notes, just wanted to post it here because it’s short, it’s speculative, and Tumblr hates links.]

#loki #loki show #loki series #loki spoilers #sylvie #marvel cinematic universe #loki speculation #loki meta #my meta #kind of #I expanded on a theory anyway #loki episode 4 #fanfic #occasionally I write things

[kleenexwoman]

Salty Asks: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13 (Loki, Erik Lensherr, Charles Xavier), 22, and 23.

1) I still don't get Margo/Pendergast. Maybe there are some books I haven't read in the series lately that give them more chemistry, but I never fucking got it.

3) I've never unfollowed someone over a Bad Fandom Opinion, but I've unfollowed people because I'm in a fandom demographic which they requested unfollow them. I'm not judging that, I'm just doing what they ask, which I think a lot of people don't actually do.

4) I don't mind Constance/Pendergast in theory, but they're a really fucked up and unequal pairing, and if more people wrote that I would enjoy it, but I can't take it seriously when people try to write them in a healthy relationship. It's never going to be. Embrace the weird.

5) See above. I have grudges that have lasted a decade.

6) It's only one fanfic, but I liked Edward/Bella much more with Bella as a sociopath monsterfucker who wanted to turn into a vampire for murder reasons.

7) "It was all a dream"/"they were in a mental hospital and everyone was the guards or other inmates" fics. Kid stuff. Read some Philip K. Dick and git gud. How about your reality is a lie fed to you by robot archons who are keeping the rays of an alien satellite Jesus from saving the planet and turning everyone into force Ghosts? (I think.)

9) I don't like Clara Clayton, but I also don't like Back to the Future III as much as the first two.

11) Is there a side character that people find weird but don't write extensively about? Is that character played by Crispin Glover? I like it and I will be taking it, thank you.

13) (Loki/Magneto/ProfX) Loki: Was exactly as much of an unmanageable shit as Thor as a child, just in different ways. You know the episode of Malcolm in the Middle where Lois imagines what it would be like if the boys were all girls? Like that. Magneto: I get people pointing out that Mags and the gang are not perfect equivalents to real-life civil rights struggles because queer people, black people, and Jews don't have fucking laser vision (except for Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and his son, who were a special case), but mutants do. However, if you go around like "Magneto was right!" but have a problem with radical action groups like the Black Panthers, I am going to wonder exactly what you're getting out of the character. Professor X: UP TO SOMETHING YO.

22) I seriously can't come up with a character I hate. Wow. I guess I hated Viola Maskelene, but she's been written out of the series because of how much negative feedback the Gents got from her. I started to like her a lot more as soon as they broke up.

23) I like Jerry from "Rick and Morty." There, I said it. He's a deeply flawed and mediocre man who nevertheless continues to try to rise above his slim capabilities and craven cowardice on a regular basis. I don't care how pathetic he is or how many times he caves for the easier option, I find that inspiring.

#teadrinkingwolfgirl

[defenderstvpodcast]

Marvel's Loki Episode 1 Feedback Podcast

Marvel’s Loki Episode 1 Feedback Podcast

We received lots of Loki Episode 1 Feedback so we decided to record a special episode just with all of our fellow Defenders thoughts. Thank you all for sharing your thoughts. Loki Season 1 Cast Loki Laufeyson played by Tom HiddlestonMobius M. Mobius played by Owen WilsonHunter B15 played by Wunmi MosakuJuge Ravonna Renslayer played by Gugu Mbatha-RawCasey The Paperwork Clerk played by Jon…

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#Avengers #Disney Plus #Endgame #Feedback #Loki #Loki Episode 1 #Loki Episode 1 Feedback #Marvel #Time Travel #Time Variant Authority #TVA