Chapter 76 Valhalla

In the years that followed, we ruled Asgard and all the nine realms and it was glorious. Our people prospered and our family became so much stronger as time flew fly. Even when our friends and family from Earth perished, we stood tall and strong. We did everything to protect our home and the realms and I believe we ruled better than Odin or Frigga ever did. We kept the peace and we ruled, living happily and helping our people. We had a few issues but no more death-defying adventures so we could finally settle down. To live as a family in our home and it got even bigger

Before Odin and Frigga passed away, they saw me give birth to twin boys and we named them after my brother and a friend from Earth. Tony and Clint. They are both practically identical to Loki with their raven black hair down to their shoulders and their piercing emerald green eyes. But they are tribrid's like Hope as they are part frost giant, Asgardian and of course, goddess so they turn blue and have wings. Hope is more like me as she is quite sensible and helped her siblings unlock their wings just like she did. She's not too mischievous but when she is with her brothers, they are all just as mischievous as Loki was when he was young and play pranks often. It's quite funny but they all kind of grew out of it as they grew up and learned to become princes and princesses of Asgard.

When the time was right, we gave the throne to Hela who became the first lone Queen of Asgard and she is ruling well. She didn't want to marry first but she does have a man she was interested in that we hope one day she might marry. We will see and yet all I do know for sure is that we left the throne, Asgard and all the 9 realms in safe hands. Hela will rule and then pass it on to Hope and then her brothers if they want. They care more about magic and basically rule together anyway. It's lovely as they will look after each other and I know they are happy. We were happy and I know I don't have to worry as we leave and go to the next world.

It's mine and Loki's time to go to Valhalla. We grew old with our family as it got bigger and the love in our hearts grew but we knew it was our time. We were growing wearying and we tried to delay going but we couldn't hold off any longer. We didn't want to leave them but it's our time and it's time we find peace. To go to Valhalla so we said goodbye to them all in the healers as we rested in our final beds and closed our eyes. Our family all around us, my hand entwined with Loki's as our hearts stopped beating and our souls began the journey to Valhalla.

My eyes flicker open and it takes a moment for me to come to my senses. I'm not sure what I was expecting when I first thought of Valhalla, maybe clouds and the golden gates but I don't appear to be in any place like that. I am in a middle of a flowery green field that appears to be glowing. There are trees and wildlife and waterfalls and so much. It's so beautiful and I'm lost in its beauty before I see a river close by and catch a glimpse of my reflection.

I'm young again. I look like I did when we were in our prime with my long black flowing hair that no longer has white shining through, my eyes glowing a bright emerald green again and my skin fresh pink. My body is younger with all my natural curves back and my wings are resting behind me with fluffy feathers and glowing brightly. I'm also in an emerald gown with Loki's horns on the bottom and I look quite attractive since I am dead. But where is Loki? He did come with me, right? I can't be in Valhalla without him.

"Loki?" I call out, stepping forward barefoot into the grass, "Loki? Loki, where are you?"

His voice instantly greets me, velvety and heavenly smooth as usual, "Don't worry, I'm here my angel."

Instantly I turn on the spot to see Loki has appeared beside me and like me, he looks like he did when we were younger. His black hair goes down to his shoulders with no whites bit in and is back in his usual attire that he hasn't worn for a while. He stripped back to his basic robes and trousers which I didn't mind at all as easy to remove but I got to love his original attire. His black leather tunic top with bits of green fabric, more black leather and golden plates embedded which goes with his signature long jacket that goes over the top and finally, black leather trousers and his knee-high leather boots. It's the first one I saw him in when I got my sight back and he looks as gorgeous as ever.

"Were you worried I wouldn't appear?" He asks with a smirk as he comes over to join me, "Don't you have faith in me?" He jokes.

I give him a look, "Of course I do. You know how much faith I have in you, my beloved king. I just didn't want to be in Valhalla without you." I admit, "It wouldn't feel right."

He takes my hand as he reaches me, "Well I'm here and will always be with you." He kisses me on the lips, "So beautiful my angel but you always were." My cheeks go red as he looks around, "So we made it then. This is the legendary Valhalla."

I smile as I look around, shrugging, "I guess it is."

"Not what you expected?" He asks a smirk dancing on his lips.

I roll my eyes, "I had no idea what to expect but I was raised to believe it would all be in the clouds with golden gates and angels with hallos and harps." This makes him laugh as I add, "Even in Asgard, I figured it would be somewhere made of gold but now we appear in some glowing field. Definitely not what I expected."

He suppresses his laughter, "That's brilliant but it's not what I expected either. I thought it would be a golden haven with endless feasting tables in golden halls where we reunite with our fallen friends and family." He looks around more, studying the area like I did for any sign of life, "But something tells me there is more here than what it seems. I wonder where everyone is. Surely my brother is waiting to tackle me into his famous death grip hugs but he is nowhere in sight."

This makes me laugh but I begin to look around as well to see where all our fallen friends and family are. There seems to be no sign of them as it appears we are just in the middle of endless fields with forests and waterfalls around us. I wonder if we need to look around more or find the right path or something. I'm not sure but I guess we should look around.

My eyes are drawn to the river and I find myself following it with my eyes through the fields until I finally see it. I wonder how the hell I did not see it before but I guess it is far away and I wasn't really focused on the river's destination. Just my reflection but they are over there, they all are. Loki follows my gaze and I think he sees what I am seeing. Smiles spread across our faces and I know we are both dying to see them all.

He offers his arm, a smile on his face, "Can I escort my beautiful wife into the depths of Valhalla?"

I smile, rolling my eyes, "Like you had to ask."

We are smiling brightly as I take his arm before we follow the river across the fields and over to the shining gold we could see in the distance. I thought it would take a while to get there and yet it felt like seconds before we were there. There are gigantic golden tables with an endless feast going on in the middle of the fields that look like they are in rooms or halls or something. It's like the enormous version of the feasting hall that goes on for miles and I can imagine there are more in the fields around us. Everyone's version of peace and its beautiful.

My eyes are drawn to the closest table when I see two pairs of angelic wings like mine. It's the biological parents I never met dining with my adopted ones, the Starks and Odin and Frigga. All our parental figures together but no sign of Thor, Tony or any of our friends. They make eye contact with me as they dine and all of them are smiling. Odin and Frigga nod at us, looking pleased to see us while my adopted parents stare at me in awe. They never saw my wings or how much I have grown. It makes them smile and weep along with my biological parents who only saw me as a baby

I've never met them only seen photos but they really are beautiful. My mother is in a golden gown with dark black hair and green eyes. My father is in his royal armour and he has golden blond hair and brown eyes. They both look so beautiful and with the angelic angel wings, they do look like angels. I do now know what Damien meant when he mentioned their wings. Mine are more angelic as theirs don't glow as brightly. I'm happy to see them and can't wait to meet them but every fibre of my being wants me to see Tony.

I haven't seen my brother in years, not since our honeymoon so many lifetimes ago. No, that was thousands of years ago and I've missed him so much. It's been too long and I want to see him more than anyone else I have lost. He was gone too soon and I couldn't say goodbye or go to his funeral. I want to see him but where is he? Where's my brother?

"Are those your parents?" Loki asks, noticing them too, "You look like them. Both of them. You have your mothers' eyes."

I smile a little, "I really do… I look so much like them."

He smiles at me as he puts his arm around me, "Did you want to go over to them? I'm sure they are more than eager to see you again."

"Well, I… I do but…" My voice trails off, my smile fading, "It's just… I…"

I'm not even sure what to do. I want to see Tony but they are my parents. Should I just be patient and see them first? And then find Tony? They haven't seen me since I was a baby but I never know them. I knew Tony. He was… is my brother and we grew up together. I have waited thousands of years to see him and I don't want to wait any longer. I'm not sure what to do. I'm conflicted.

Loki must know what I am thinking as he turns to face me, putting his arms around me before moving the hair out of my eyes. He always could read my mind but he knows how much I have missed him all these years and how desperate I am to see him. My fallen brother.

He caresses my cheek, smiling at me, "We have all the time in the world to see your parents. Let's find your brother first."

I let out the breath I didn't know I was holding, "I just want to find Tony but he isn't here."

"Don't worry, he is here." He reassures me, "I'm sure of it. All our friends from Earth and Asgard are missing not to forget Stark's family. They are probably drinking somewhere with my brother no doubt." He says, making me smile, "Let's go and look for them."

I nod in agreement before we pull apart and wave at them smiling as they smile back. They know I will see them all later and spend lifetime after lifetime with them. I can finally speak to my biological parents and the ones who raised me as well as the family who welcomed me when I married their son. But right now, I want to find Tony and see him and the rest of our friends and family. They can't be that far away but I have no idea where they could be. I just want to find them and see them all again. Where are they?

We turn away and instantly my focus is back on the river that guided us here. Maybe it will show us the path we need to take so we can find them too. My eyes follow the river and it actually goes down to a gigantic lake not too far away from here. There seems to be a cottage beside it that reminds me of my brother's cottage on Earth and there is a gathering of people beside it. It must be them. My friends, family on Earth and my brother.

Loki smiles as he offers his arm again having followed my gaze and I take it as we begin to move over towards them. In no time at all, we are nearly there just like before and I can see everything in detail. The cottage looks just like my brothers to the exact detail but it has many floors like Stark Tower and if I know my brother, it is probably packed with his latest designs and tech. Assuming you can do that in Valhalla and yet that isn't what caught mine or Loki's attention. It's what happening right beside it close to the lake that makes me smile.

There is a fire with multiple chairs and benches gathered around along with random things like pool tables and a bar. A barbecue is going with fresh meat being turned over by Volstagg who has been left to cook but that is probably a bad idea. I'm guessing that is why Hogun and Fandral are watching him so he doesn't have his own feast all to himself. That's probably good thinking and yet my eyes are focused on my friends and family who are drinking together.

Steve, Peggy, Bruce, Clint, Nat, Pepper and Morgan are gathered around the fire drinking and having their own private feast. All are smiling and having a good time as they eat cheeseburgers and other bits of meat. They all look so young and carefree, at peace. Thor's hammer Mjolnir seems to be the main topic again as it is sat in the middle of the table and they all are joking about who can lift it. I'm surprised they are still going on about it after all this time but I can't help but smile. All my friends and family are here together but where is Tony? And Thor and Sif? They don't seem to be here but they can't be that far away. There is clearly space for them along with half-drunk drinks and I can see Tony's famous whisky glass by Morgan. Where is he?

We find ourselves moving towards them with Loki slipping his arm around me as we approach them seemingly unnoticed. They are still bickering amongst themselves, getting drunk and eating and yet my eyes are searching for Tony, Thor, and Sif. There is no sign of them but I'm glad none of them have changed one bit and it just makes me and Loki smile. How I have missed them all so much and I can't wait to join them. We are so close to them and they haven't even noticed us yet or at least… that is what I thought.

"Brother?"

We turn to see Thor and Sif have come out of the forest and they are both carrying firewood. It must be for the fire but they have frozen at the sight of us. Instantly there are gasps of shock and surprise from our friends and family around the fire who have turned on the spot to see us standing here barely a meter from them. They heard Thor speak but we are focused on Thor and Sif.

Loki detaches from me, moving closer to his brother, "Hello brother, missed me?"

Thor drops the firewood, it thudding as it hits the ground and goes everywhere but he doesn't care. He has tears in his eyes as he scrambles over to us and pulls Loki into a death grip hug. They hold each other, Thor crying a little which makes me roll my eyes. He didn't die long before us but it has been a while. Too long and I know Loki has missed him like I have missed Tony… god, where is he?

I focus on Sif instead who has put her firewood down before coming over to me and I embrace her. She hugs me tightly for a moment before she pulls away so happy and yet sad to see me. She knows I died but it's our time and we are happy to see each other. She is my best friend after all.

I smile as I look at her, "It's good to see you to Sif. How are you?"

She chuckles, "Shouldn't I be asking you that?" We laugh as she nods, "We are great. Enjoying peace but we have missed Asgard, you and our son. How is he? How is Andreas?"

"He's fine, great even." I reassure her, "Up to his usual adventures with that barmaid he is in love with. Merida, I think she is called."

This makes her smile, "I'm glad he is ok. We've been worried."

"Well, he is ok and so is Asgard. We left it in the safe hands of Hela, Hope and the twins. No need to worry at all. All is well." I tell her, a smile on my face, "But I have missed you Sif. I have missed my best friend."

She smiles brighter, "I have missed you too."

We hug again before we turn to the brothers who have pulled apart at last and are pulling themselves together. It hasn't been too long since we parted from Thor and Sif but I know how much it hurt Loki when he lost him. He always did love his brother and always will.

"So, you did miss me?" Loki says with a smirk, unable to hide his glee.

Thor gives him a look, "Of course I missed you. You're my brother but I didn't expect you both yet. I figured you would delay death as much as possible."

Loki shrugs, "We were tempted but it was only delaying the inevitable."

He nods, knowing what he means, "Indeed. You can't live forever and we have all missed you. Spoken about you often." He turns to me, smiling, "It's good to see you to Katrina. I assume you have been looking after my brother?"

I smile, "Don't I always?"

This makes him laugh before he pulls me into a tight hug as well. He lets me go and we follow him and Sif over to all around friends and family who are waiting eagerly for us to join them around the fire. Immediately we are pulled into so many hugs by them all as we are greeted by all our friends and family. All of them welcoming us to Valhalla and so happy to see us after all this time and yet slightly sad that we did die. It is our time though and I'm happy we are at peace and finally reunited with all our loved ones. Some we haven't seen in years, thousands of years when it comes to our friends and family from Earth but my heart still yearns to see Tony more than any of them.

I love them all but out of all of them, I haven't seen Tony the longest and I have missed him the most. He's my brother and he died way before his time. I couldn't see him again before he died or even go to his funeral. I know I promised not to see him die but I missed the chance to say goodbye properly with all our friends and family. To be there with them and thanks to Loki, I have the precious memories of that day when he went to his funeral. He even took me to visit his grave so I could say goodbye the moment I was free and reunited me with my family and friends on Earth. I'm so happy to see them all again but I need to see my brother. To hug him and apologize for not being at his funeral. Where is he?

We finish hugging all our friends and family and Morgan pulls me into a second hug. She is a grown woman now and yet is holding onto me for dear life. She might have grown up but she is definitely a kid at heart and perfect. How I have missed them all.

"I've missed you, Auntie Katrina." She hugs me tightly, "It's been too long."

I smile as I hug her back, "I've missed you, Morgan." We pull apart as I look at them all, "I've missed all of you and I'm pleased to see none of you have changed."

Nat chuckles, "Yep we are the same lunatics you remember but are all at peace and lived a good life despite our antics." They laugh or chuckle in agreement as she studies me, "And yet you're not at peace. What is troubling you?"

I sign as I try to explain, "Well…"

"You want to see my father?" I look at Morgan who smiles at me brightly, beaming, "He's been so eager to see you."

This makes me smile, "Where is he?"

Pepper moves forward, gesturing down to the lake, "He's skipping stones by the lake." She smiles, a sad smile, "We all knew you would both be here soon when Thor and Sif arrived not long ago. He's been wanting to see you but he knew what that day would bring."

We all know what she means. All of them are so happy to see us at last but are a little sad since we both died to come here even if it was our time. They wanted us to live but we did. We had everything we could have possibly needed or ever wanted. We had Asgard, our family and more importantly, each other. But now we must have peace in Valhalla so we can rest and be happy with all of our loved ones including Tony.

My eyes wander to the lake not far from us and I can make out his figure in the distance. My brother lost in thought and he has no idea we are here now. I need to see him more than anything and it's time we reunite after all this time.

Loki appears at my side, putting his arm around me, "Go to him." He kisses me on the head, "We all know you want to and I'll join you in a moment. Go to him, my angel."

This makes me smile before we kiss and I detach from Loki and make my way down to the lake. I hear my friends chatting to Loki behind me as Morgan no doubt hugs him but I am just focused on the final part of my journey. To finally reunite with my brother after all this time and have peace. I have missed him so much and held onto so much guilt for not being able to say goodbye. Not in the way I wanted to and now I have the chance to do the one thing I have wanted to do all this time and that is to see my brother.

My feet feel like they have a life of my own as I follow the path close to the river down to the lake and to my brother. It's not far but it's far enough so we can have some privacy and so he could have a moment to himself. It's actually quite nice with the greenery and flowers sprouting but soon I reach the gravely sand and the lake. The glowing rainbow lake but my eyes are on the man standing there barely a meter or so from me, skipping stones over the watery surface and making it ripple. My brother, Tony, at last.

He looks just the way I remember him back before he started to age. His hair is back brown with his hippy beard back and in jeans and t-shirt showing off one of his favourite bands. Nothing has changed after all this time and yet the cocky smile on his face isn't there. A small sad smile resting in its place as he picks up the flat stones and chucks them across the water. He must be thinking about me like Pepper said. He knows soon we will be here and that we will die but I guess he wanted me to live as long as I could. To be happy and alive but I can tell he misses and wants to see me.

It's been too long since we have seen each other. I've not seen him since my wedding day and when he last seen or heard from Loki, I was presumed dead and kidnapped by Kai. He might have known I was alive but he didn't know I was ok when he died. He obviously knew I would be but still, it's been so long. So long since we have seen each other and now we are here. I'm finally here about to reunite with him and I can't wait any longer.

I take a breath and I'm about to speak when he picks up another flat stone and throws it across the water. It barely skipping once before it drops and he signs in frustration. He looks so worried and yet happy about something.

"I miss you sister." He whispers, staring out across the lake, "I wish you were here."

This makes me smile as I speak up, "Did you think I would miss this brother?"

He freezes, tensing up at the sound of my voice before he slowly turns to face me. He is staring at me shocked but so relieved as he takes in the sight of me. Barely able to comprehend that I'm here at last and standing before him. It's taken him back and I would say he is speechless but it's Tony Stark, he is never speechless.

"Katrina." He whispers, staring at me.

I smile as I move closer to him, "Did you miss me, brother?"

He smiles brightly, "Of course I did. How could I not miss my younger sister?"

We are both beaming and I can't wait a moment longer so before I know it, I am taking the last few steps towards him. He moves closer as well with his arms open ready to embrace me. I reach him in seconds and he pulls me into his arms, hugging me tightly. I hug him back just as tight, tears in my eyes and the biggest smile on my face. God, it's been too long and I have missed my 'older' brother. I have missed him so much and I am so happy to see him again. I have waited for this day for so long and it's here. It's finally here.

Tony picks me up, spinning me around and making me laugh before he puts me down and hugs me again. I hug him back as we calm down and I wipe away my happy tears.

"God, you don't know how much I have missed you." I say with a smile, pulling myself together.

He smiles, "Probably just as much as I missed my little sister." We pull apart as he looks at me, looking sad but happy, "I'm so happy to see you Katrina but if you're here…"

I interrupt him, shaking my head, "I lived my life, Tony. Loki and I grew old together on Asgard, living the life you wanted for us as we ruled Asgard with our family. Having all our adventures and not wasting a moment." I smile, trying to reassure him, "We did put it off a bit, wanting to stay with our kids as long as possible but it's our time. It's our time to find peace."

He nods, smiling a bit, "Well I'm glad you're ok. I have been hearing about you and all your adventures from Morgan and Thor." He admires my wings, "I'm glad your wings grew back."

My wings flutter behind me, unable to stop smiling, "I was lucky they grew back when Hope was born."

"Yes, I heard about Hope." He says with a smile, "I knew you would be a great mother and better than I have ever expected. All you did for her."

I nod, remembering those times, "It was dark at the beginning but I escaped Kai thanks to my brilliance and Loki of course." He chuckles at that before I admit, frowning, "The only thing I did ever regret was not going to your funeral and not being able to say goodbye properly. I've always been a little jealous that Loki got to see you one more time after we parted and went to your funeral."

This makes him laugh, shaking his head in amusement, "Oh please don't tell me you have been hanging onto all that guilt all this time?" I frown, shrugging which makes him laugh, "Do you really think I care you couldn't make it to the funeral? I know you were stuck with Kai and protecting Hope so it's not like you were on a joy ride or something." This makes me laugh as he takes my hand, "All I cared about was that you are safe, all of you and you were. And I know you came to see my grave when you could so don't worry about it."

"Tony…" I whisper, rubbing away a fallen tear, "I…"

"You have nothing to feel guilty for." He reassures me again, "You kept your promise to me and you lived your life like I wanted for you so let it go. I'm just pleased you were happy and got the life you wanted. Now give me another hug sister."

This makes me smile and we hug again, holding onto each other tightly. All that guilt I have been feeling, holding onto all this time melts away as I enjoy finally being reunited with my brother. God, I've missed him so much and I don't want to let him go nor do I have to. We are finally in Valhalla and can spend the rest of eternity together, at peace. Catch up on all I missed, tell him what he missed and just finally enjoy being with all my family and friends.

We pull apart after a long moment, both smiling and so happy. Apart of me wonders what we are going to do first in Valhalla and yet all I do know for sure is I can spend time with my brother. I notice however he has something on his mind and looks at me a little worried.

So he asks, looking more worried by the second, "I am glad you are here sister, even if you did die but where is Loki? He did come over with you, didn't he? Or is he still alive?"

I shake my head, "We both held on for as long as we could to stay with our children but we knew it was our time. He passed over with me." I tell him, smiling a little, "Don't worry, Loki would never leave me alone. Not even in the afterlife."

This makes Tony laughing, nodding in agreement, "I should expect nothing less from the god and goddess of Mischief."

I'm about to suggest we go and join the group and catch up when I hear footsteps coming over to us and sense his magic. It seems I'm not the only one desperate to see my brother as Loki approaches, eager to join us and see I'm ok as well as reunite with Tony.

"I hope I'm not interrupting." Loki appears at my side, smiling at the sight of my brother, "But I thought I would check on my brother from another mother."

Tony chuckles, "I hope you mean me."

This makes them both laugh before they hug each other, smiling brightly. I know Loki has missed my brother just as much as me even with their little rivalry and the funny nickname. He spoke about him often when we first reunited after the Kai ordeal so it's great that we are finally here together. At last.

They pull apart after a short moment and are both smiling before admiring each other. It does feel like we have gone back in time with how young we are.

"It's good to see you, Tony." Loki grins, beaming, "You have been truly missed by us all, especially by my beautiful wife."

This makes me blush and Tony smile, "Oh I have heard but it has been nice here, watching over all of you and at peace. I couldn't believe it when you named one of your twin boys after me."

Loki smiles, staring at him surprised but happy, "Well, of course we would. We wanted them to be named after friends and family who we love. Clint was a fluke but we wanted one of our sons named after you."

We hear Clint yell something along the lines I heard that from by the fire behind us and we all burst out laughing, unable to contain ourselves. Loki turns and winks at him before turning back to us so he knows we didn't mean it. He is the God of Mischief after all and he seems to settle down. But I just focus on Loki who I can tell like me, was holding onto something. For me it was all that guilt of not being able to say goodbye properly while for Loki, he always vowed to Tony, he would protect me. Especially after my fake death when he promised he would find me, save me and look after me for the rest of his life.

Tony smiles, so pleased to hear about our family, "I've watched over you both and I'm pleased you got to have a big family together." He looks at Loki, smiling a little, "And thank you, for keeping your promise. I knew you would."

"You always did have such strong faith in me." Loki says with a smile.

He shrugs, "It's justified but now that you're both here, it's time we celebrate."

This makes me smile, "I couldn't agree more."

So Tony leads us back to the group around the fire where the celebration really begins. The food is cooked and thankfully, not all eaten by Volstagg. Music is put on and we dance and laugh just like the good old times. It's like going back in time to the days when we were in Tony's old tower and having so much fun. I can't stop smiling as I dance with my gorgeous husband, my brother, all my friends from Asgard and Earth and see my family again. My adopted parents, the parents I married in to and finally meet the biological parents who saved me when I was a baby. We might be in Valhalla and resting in peace but we are all happy. Finally reunited and we will watch our children have all their fun adventures before one day, in a few thousand years when it's their time, we will see them again.