Unbroken (Loki x Reader)

Chapter 35 - Through The Roots

I'm surprised the oaf taught you anything of value, Loki projects. Still, he's right. The realms are connected through the roots of Yggdrasil. Each root is, in itself, a portal. They are incredibly difficult to find. And even harder to navigate.

Why? you ask.

Because you can't see what's on the other side. Stepping into the roots of the Tree of Life will guarantee you passage, but to where it is nearly impossible to say.

So we have to pick the right root?

Loki's arms tighten around you, and he places a kiss on your shoulder.

Exactly. And we'll only have one chance.

Why?

Entering the roots of Yggdrasil will require me to use my magic unshielded at the point of intersection. If I don't teleport us through the root at exactly the right moment, Heimdall will see us, and it will become clear what we are trying to do.

But as long as we make it through, we can try as many roots as we need to, right? you ask.

Technically, that is correct, Loki projects. But if we choose the wrong root and are transported somewhere beyond Asgard, who knows how, or when, we would be able to make it back to either Asgard or Midgard. It could take..., Loki trails, unwilling to finish the thought. Unwilling to think aloud that it would take longer than you have before going into labor. Potentially longer than you even have in years left in your mortal life. The thought is a grim one, but he quickly recovers. It is all a game of chance, darling. And I would much rather play while we are in control of at least one of the variables - our starting point. Besides, the matter is null. If we choose incorrectly the first time, the odds of evading Heimdall's watch on a second attempt are nearly zero.

But...once we try one root can't we just shield ourselves and disappear? you wonder. Why does it matter if he actually sees us?

Loki audibly hums in laughter, but not disparagingly. Almost appraisingly as if he appreciates being challenged. Yggdrasil, while in a realm of her own, is still a place. Once Heimdall knows we are attempting to travel using her pathways, he will station soldiers in her branches. And trust me my love, being forcibly dragged out from inside Yggdrasil is...unpleasant. And could put our child at risk.

You think in silence for a moment as Loki places gentle kisses to your neck, his arms wrapped around you and resting gently on the top of your stomach. Safe and comfortable in his grasp, part of you wishes you could just stay on Earth and take your chances. But you know that's not an option.

"How long will it take to find the right one?" you ask out loud.

"I believe I already have, darling."

"What?" you gasp. "I thought you said you were only getting close?"

"I had a...head start," Loki says mischievously. That tone makes you nervous.

"You mean...all those maps you had hidden here?" you ask skeptically. "And the...people that came to our door?"

"Best not to mention them again, my love," Loki frowns. "But...yes."

You bite your lip in thought. Based on what Loki just told you, it could take decades, maybe longer, to find one of Yggdrasil's roots. And he managed to do it in a week? You cast him a skeptical glance, and he hears your question without you ever speaking it.

"I have considered this course of action many times before, each time putting a good amount of thought, research, and time into their locations and possible destinations," he explains. "I already had years of research complete."

You sit with Loki in silence, wondering what possible reason he could have had for mapping out all of the possible roots on Midgard already. Then, Loki's voice breaks the silence.

"I had hoped for more time. To be certain of the location and destination, but...," Loki trails off as the hand resting on your stomach flexes, his fingertips stretched around as much of you as he can reach, as if wishing to hold the baby itself in his hand.

"But?" you encourage

Loki sighs. "But I do not know if it is wise to tarry."

"Meaning?" you question.

"If you're ready, we can leave tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" you gasp. "You're sure? Don't we need to plan? Like...what do we do if we end up in the wrong place? How do we find each other if we get separated? What happens if we're seen?" you ramble, question after question spilling from your lips. "I...I don't know if I'm ready," you say breathlessly. "What about the risk, here?" you ask, panicked.

"We take the risk, or we lose the chance, my love," he says.

With calming, soothing hushes Loki runs his fingers through your hair. "We will not be separated," he whispers. "I cannot promise you much, but that I can. I will be by your side."

You find Loki's eyes, the same beautiful green despite his changed face. And you realize that he's right. So you reach your fingertips for his cheek, and turn his head to yours to press a gentle kiss upon his lips. You let it linger for a moment, deciding to place your faith in Loki rather than in your fear.

"Tomorrow it is, then."