I'M IN MARVEL

c59"Loki, Karma Taj do you wish to know more?"

The bard's form shifted, and after a brief moment, Russell's appearance was revealed.

Loki arched an eyebrow. He had noticed the bard's furtive glances at him before, and now it became clear that something was amiss. He hadn't expected the bard to be Russell in disguise.

Considering the bard's earlier boasts about Russell's heroics in Jotunheim, Loki couldn't help but smirk. Master Russell, indeed.

"Alright, Master Russell. Let's find a place to converse."

The person who had donned the guise of the bard and spoken highly of Russell's deeds was, in fact, none other than Russell himself.

Earlier, Russell had introduced topics about Karma Taj, Agamotto, the Vishanti, and the origin of white magic all to lay the groundwork for this conversation.

Russell had overheard Loki's ambitions and, seeing an opportunity to influence him, decided to act. Winning Loki's support in his quest for the throne of Asgard was a key factor. The more powerful mages he could gather, the better.

After waiting for a couple of days without any action from Loki, Russell chose to take matters into his own hands.

And so, fate brought them together today.

Upon entering Loki's palace, Russell surveyed his surroundings. Asgardian architecture was as grand as always, with towering spires stretching toward the heavens.

But within the palace, there was a cold emptiness. Vast stone pillars held up the ceiling, yet the hall felt lifeless.

Having grown up an orphan, Russell immediately sensed what was missing a certain warmth that only people could provide.

In the living room, Russell followed Loki's gestures and sat down on one of the steps. He spoke slowly, "Is this your 'home' in Asgard?"

Russell emphasized the word 'home' subtly, hinting at something more.

Loki raised an eyebrow. "Are you here to mock me?" he asked.

Russell shook his head. "Not at all. I just meant that this place reminds me of my home on Earth there's a lack of life here."

Loki's surprise deepened. "Master Russell, were you not welcomed on Earth?"

Russell shook his head again. "No, now I have teachers, friends, and even a girlfriend people who care about me."

Loki's eyes narrowed, sensing the curiosity in Russell's words. "Where are your family members?"

Although Russell had been elusive about his background, Loki could sense that the powerful mage had secrets.

"I am an orphan," Russell answered with a small smile.

Loki thought about it for a moment. A mage as skilled as Russell would be able to trace his origins if he truly wanted to, so why this mystery?

Loki sighed and decided to change the topic. "I am the opposite of you. I have only my family in Asgard, no real friends."

"Do you have a family?" Russell asked, sensing an opening for a deeper conversation.

"No," Loki admitted quietly. "They are not my biological family."

For a moment, Loki looked distant, the weight of his own loneliness clear. The desire to continue the conversation faded.

Instead, Loki turned to the matter at hand. "Russell, what is it that you want from me?"

Russell internally sighed, realizing his initial attempt at persuading Loki to join Karma Taj was clumsy. He had hoped for a smooth transition to more significant matters, but it seemed that was not to be.

Still, he refocused on the goal at hand. Instead of trying to involve Asgard directly, he decided to take a more personal approach.

He smiled and said, "Loki, have you considered spending some time at Karma Taj? The mages there are kind, and I believe you would enjoy your stay."

Loki's eyes brightened. "Karma Taj?" His interest was piqued, and he felt a sense of excitement. The Ancient One and Russell both had Odin's favor, and by aligning himself with them, Loki could secure powerful allies. This could also help him ensure the peace of the Nine Realms.

Loki recalled his mother, Frigga, teaching him magic, making him one of the finest mages in all the Nine Realms. Yet even she had said that there were greater powers out there like the Ancient One or Agamotto himself, whose magic had shaped the very fabric of the multiverse.

Russell's words from earlier echoed in Loki's mind: "The ancient god Agamotto, the Trinity Vishanti, the origin of white magic."

Loki's thoughts swirled. These were names of great power.

"Okay," Loki said, his decision made.

Russell's lips curved into a slight smile. "It's a deal."

Loki was a mage, and as such, he was often an outsider in Asgard, where physical prowess and honor were prized. But in Karma Taj, he could be revered for his magical skills. There, he would find a place where he could be respected, not only for his power but for his mind.

Asgard, a place where Loki had always felt like an outsider, would never offer him the recognition he craved. But Karma Taj could.

Russell saw the potential. Loki had suffered too much in Asgard. But at Karma Taj, he would find belonging, if not in a family, at least in a community of like-minded individuals.

Meanwhile, in Asgard's Golden Hall, Odin sat brooding. He had been lost in thought since Loki's recent discovery of his true heritage.

Frigga's voice broke the silence. "You've been distant, my king. What is troubling you?"

After a long pause, Odin answered, "Loki knows the truth of his origins."

Frigga gasped. "How? Did the spell fail?"

Odin nodded gravely. "It was his journey to Jotunheim that revealed the truth of his lineage."

Frigga took a breath, realizing the gravity of the situation. "You've been troubled by how to deal with Loki these past days, haven't you? He is our son."

"I know," Odin muttered, his tone heavy. "And it is precisely because he is my son that this weighs on me."

Frigga was puzzled. "What's the issue? He's grown, and we can't hide the truth forever."

Odin let out a sigh. "Loki wants to be the king of Asgard."

"But it's impossible to give him the throne," Odin said, resigned. "We can't even offer him a chance to compete."

Frigga, ever the voice of reason, asked, "Do you feel ashamed of him?"

Odin was silent, staring ahead, his conflict clear. For him, kingly duty came first, no matter the cost.

Frigga then suggested gently, "Perhaps Loki does not seek the throne. Maybe he just wants your approval to prove himself as worthy as Thor."

Odin met her gaze, a hint of realization flickering in his eyes.

Frigga's wisdom often surpassed even his own, and her words echoed in his mind. Loki's obsession with power, after all, paled in comparison to his desire for his family's love.

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