whose_son_am_i | Meme-shenanigans and Continuations.

Not everyone there was an Avenger proper, but for this battle's purposes--they were all honorary avengers. Which included Christine.

"So we both are!" Wong said encouragingly. The four of them grouped up with another Asgardian and Acolyte or two, letting the bulk of the battle move away from them. Heimdall actually seemed to be directing, and leading; heading for people who needed healing. Forming a breathing and living shield around Christine who did what she could do best. Helping keep their numbers up.

It was chaos, and intimidating, but it was working. It allowed others to focus on engaging more directly. They hadn't gone unnoticed however. Soon enough one of the Black Order was coming over to hover above them. Ebony Maw never engaged directly, instead throwing needles or debris at them with advanced telekinesis. Including sweeping them all of their feet and away from Christine, whom he then sent thin needles after in a targeted blast.

Once they are able, Christine is right to healing the wounded. She uses her energy for the most urgent and casts slightly slower spells for everyone else.

It seems to all happen in slow motion, everyone is thrown to the side and Christine is putting herself in front of the injured as she watches those needles come from the sky. She is confident she is about to die. And it is a lot of needles that are pointed and coming directly at her.

Loki's scrambling to his feet, desperate to get in front of her, a hand flung out and trying to pull the needles away...

But they don't hit Christine--they stop against the air, as if they're piercing a shield. There is a very faint shimmer to the air around Christine and her patient. Maw glowers, and pulls the needles back, then has to dodge as a dagger was thrown at him. Loki is repeatedly conjuring and throwing daggers, driving him back, joined soon by Wong and Heimdall, and Zhang and Asger. forming a half-dome around Christine and her patient.

"Wong!" Loki calls, and the other starts throwing up small energy discs. Loki sweeps his hand wide, twisting it as he did, as illusions now surround Maw. Their small force multiplied and replicated to give Maw many targets. Heimdall takes the direct root, as Maw once again targets Christine and her patient with some needles. Parrying them with his blade, and keeping watch.

The needles just sort of stop. She doesn't have much time to consider it as she's throwing a further shield up around the injured.

She's not so worried about herself, not now that she seems to have an extra shield.

She can see the rage in Loki's eyes though, as he's running up those stairs.

The way Wong was positioning them it wasn't so obvious they were stairs, thankfully. It was a wonder how he and the acolyte had worked this out, but they had. Heimdall, Asger, and Zhang protected Christine and her patient, while Loki used his own telekinesis to redirect needles away from Wong, and Wong made shield-discs in the air that he could use as platforms.

Christine, Sweetling, would you mind sending a targeted blast of *some* kind at him? I need an opening.. Cold and focused rage was under the request.

Because Loki was getting close, but was busy parrying needles with telekinesis or Laevateinn.

Any time, my love. there was an anger of her own at this creature that had the audacity to attack a healer and her patient.

She targets and sends confusion, strong and direct, enough to catch the thing off guard for long enough to give Loki an opening.

Maw shakes his head, needles dropping as he struggles for a second. Then sends out another blast intended to knock them down--but it's too late. Loki's already jumping and in the air. Coming from behind Maw, over the being and striking out with Laevateinn straight for the others throat. Maw has a second of his eyes going wide, before his head is struck from his body, Loki falling to the ground as Wong further sends out a magic burst of his own.

It's a moment of reprieve, before the battle once more catches up with them all, and they go back to their original plan.

Fortunately, it won't be a battle much longer as soon enough, the Chitauri are stopping, confused, and being driven back. No one to guide them, as Thanos has died somewhere on the field. They did it...

Unlike the first decapitation she's seen today, this one makes her a little bit satisfied.

She can breathe for a moment before it's back to shielding and casting as much as she can.

And then things just stop. There's a retreat, and a cheer in the distance.

Christine is mentally reaching out to Loki, calling him to her.

There's a brush of his mind in return, emotions of relief and worry sent. "Heimdall, what do you see?" Loki asked, as he and the other moved back towards their position they'd held. The guardian was quiet for a moment. "One of Thanos' children still lives. She is calling the retreat. Our forces are being certain they're going."

All of which was good news. Now it was just clean-up, and aftermath. Loki stayed by Christine, as did Asger (the Asgardian who looked to be in his late teens, who'd joined up with them) as they wandered the field, to help heal others. They weren't the only group to do so. It was disheartening work in some cases, but it could've been so much worse.

A called warning went out up and down the line. The scarlet Witch was floating out to a section of the battlefield where no one lived--ready to destroy the mind stone. It was the only one they knew for sure could be destroyed.

Eventually though, the Avengers and allies were able to rest. Many returned home--Steve and Wong and the other Acolytes. The Guardians went with them, back to their space ship, intending to try and find a way to hide some of the Infinity Stones anew. Others were offered the hospitality of Wakanda, if they did not accept portals back home. Thor elected to remain, to catch up with his friends.

Loki still stayed in the shadows, knowing he was...less than welcomed even now though no one was calling for his blood. Mostly he supported Christine, who was working now with Shuri and other healers and doctors in Wakanda.

Christine had seen this sort of damage before so she was well equipped to act as a healer.

She also helped the others prioritize the injured as best they could.

Of course she stayed in Wakanda to help, her patients from the field still needed her for a time.

Loki was generally nearby but kept his head down.

It had been several days since the battle and it was the first time Christine was really able to be alone with Loki.

T'Challa was a generous host, being sure to thank Christine also for her aid. When they had all initially reunited, Thor had smiled and rushed over to be certain she was alright too, even giving her a hug. Sif and Brunhilde were also glad to see her, and approved of her new armor. Especially once it was mentioned that it had helped shield her, apparently. But of the Asgardians, only Thor and Loki (and Christine) remained.

It all could have gone so much worse. And while Loki's reception was 'cool', Christine was given warm welcomes and thanks. Inquiries about her, how she'd come to be there, and so on. Some of the Avengers were shocked she wasn't Asgardian, given she'd come with Thor (and Loki). There was some bonding about New York, and she was given whatever aid was needed while she was helping.

But quiet time had been sorely missed. They had a room to themselves, and it rivaled anything on the statesman for all that it was a single room. Loki waited patiently (or at least not obviously impatiently) for Christine, and for them to be alone again.

She had done her part to sneak in little bits about how Loki had saved her from Maw when it was appropriate. She wanted everyone to know that he had helped.

Christine was quite well regarded, and it was quite flattering. Though she was glad at the end of a long day to be returning to the room she had been offered.

She finally makes it back to the room and is eager to finally have some time with Loki. They've scarely gotten to talk since the battle.

There had been times when their telepathy had been the only way they could speak. Mostly though, he'd kept out of the spotlight--which was unusual for him. Or perhaps not so unusual considering the Avengers remained and were none-to-eager, Thor aside, to forgive him. He had been on his best manners though.

As soon as she's in the door, she'll feel a ward go up. Before she's being wrapped up in a hug, Loki nuzzling her hair. Radiating protection and joy and want and all feelings of 'mine' and 'missed you'. Unconsciously projecting again.

There is such joy that is sent back to him when she's finally able to properly hug him again.

"Hello." There's a tiny chuckle as she nuzzles her face against his chest. She has desperately missed this.

"You've been busy." He tried not to sound pouty--he failed. Casual clothes once again, in a style that would've blended in well in Wakanda--were he not so pale. But she's being held tightly with no indication of being let go anytime soon.

"I wish I was a bit less in demand at the moment." She has no plans on letting go of him either.

"I've missed you. And sleeping, and sleeping next to you."

"Be proud of me. As much as I'd love to demand your time, I do recognize healing is your first love." Which is why he'd been nearby, but hadn't interrupted. "I've missed you too. Now what do you need first. Food, a soak, or sleep?"

"I've been very proud of you for quite some time now." She pulls back enough to cup his face, running her thumbs along his cheeks.

"Probably food. And to not stop touching you for several days."

"That latter might have to wait, but I've no plans to go anywhere right now." Reaching up to cup her hands where she held his face. "I brought dinner back, and cast a spell on it. I hope you have been managing to find time to eat though?"

"I've been eating," she nods, "I just haven't gotten to sit down for a meal."

She's used to eating on her feet, it's pretty typical at work to eat whenever you're able.

"Well you're definitely sitting down for this. You need to rest and relax." No arguing with him, even if she were so inclined. Loki had spoken, and so it would be.

Rice dishes and leafy greens with tubers and roast lamb, lots of fruit, all with spicy or nutty flavors. Rich and aromatic and a variety. Water or spiced teas were the drink offerings, although a small bottle of wine made from local fruits sat unopened.

"Is that an order, your Highness?" It's very teasing, flirtatous even.

She isn't planning on arguing, the food smells wonderful and she feels her stomach growl at the scent.

They've not even had a chance to really talk about the battle or the trolls.

"If it must be, then yes." He's smiling though at the teasing and flirting. Leaning in to kiss her cheek before taking his own seat. "I haven't discussed it with Thor yet. How long are you planning to stay here?"

"I think one more day and then I should be able to go home."

She stretches in her chair before she dishes out some food.

"So much has happened and I feel like I haven't gotten to talk to you at all."

"Fortunately, we're not dependent on Thor for transport. Although I'm also sure the Wakandans, or an ally, would help us get back either to New York or New Asgard." Loki was opening the wine, moving to pour for them both. "I have most definitely missed our conversations."

Meme-shenanigans and Continuations.

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