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It started with a relaxing night, then weird bird squawks outside the windows, and feathers of unknown raptors on their pillows. Both of them were confused, frightened, but Tony thought he knew what kind the birds were.
Poukaideis.
The legendary bird which only appeared in myths. There was no way that these mythical creatures would appear in Loki and Tony's room. They should be in their cave, enjoying life with each other, if they were real.
And one day, when they were huddling close to each other on a snowy winter night, a bird came in.
Not an ordinary bird. Its face wasn't a bird's beak. Instead, a Deinonychus head. It also had feathers on its body, on top of its head, and had an eagle's tail. Tony froze for a while before pulling Loki closer, protecting him, unsure if the creature would attack them or not. Loki let out a small whimper, which lured Tony to softly kiss his temple and reassure him that he was okay.
The bird stepped closer before stopping. Sharp teeth bared through its mouth. It's talons were so sharp that they could even pierce through human skin.
“For once, Loki, hold your brea-” Tony's whispers suddenly turned to a shout of pain. The Eagle had gotten so close that it could kill them. Loki looked up, his eyes shot to Tony's pained expression. He then looked down.
Blood. Blood was smearing on their blankets. Loki's gaze trailed up to his arm.
Tony's grip was tight around his arm, eyes squeezing, his breath coming in short and hurt gasps. Loki looked at him with shock, but Tony didn’t seem to care. Loki pulled his lover close to his own body, magic flowed to his lover’s wound, healing him.
The bird, the Poukaidei, Loki realized that it was the legendary bird, was trying to hurt them somehow.
The Poukaidei's eyes narrowed at Tony, glaring at the bite wound which it created on Tony’s arm. It flew upwards, but Loki thought that the attack was for the mortal…
Before the god could shoo the bird away, the Poukaidei squawked and with its talons wide spread, it leapt onto the god-
Took him up and into the snowing sky.
Tony, still healing, rushed out of the bed and watched as Loki and the bird flew away. His face filled with confusion, anger and worry.
So powerful, Loki thought, This bird should be honored.
But where in the Nine was the Poukaidei flying to? With Loki in its claws?
“Stupid bird!” Loki yelled, hands thrashing around to try and grab the bird's wings, “Take me back!”
The Poukaidei didn't even flinch.
As soon as the two flew out, snow started to drop softly on Loki's body. He shivered, but the bird didn't. It didn't even ruffle the feathers.
Should be a long trip then…
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Thwack-
A loud and crunchy voice followed as Loki hit the ground. He woke up with a start, groaning and rubbed the back of his head. He looked around with shock, finding himself in a dark cave.
Thwack, thwack- More noises, Loki turned slowly to face the noise.
Squawk!!
Poukaidei! Loki's legs trembled and wrapped his arms around them, pulling them close. He shut his eyes and bared his teeth, thinking that the birds would treat him like their tastiest dinner.
More squawking came from the Poukaideis around him. Then silence. A voice echoed in his mind.
Loki, no need to be afraid.
He complied, opening his eyes wearily and looked ahead. A Poukaidei was in front of him.
“I am the leader here.” The Poukaidei said, flapping its wings silently. Loki gaped, looking at the eagle with surprise.
“You, Loki, were once a Poukaidei. We would like you to stay with us.”
Loki’s eyes widened, his grip on his arm grew tighter.
“Me?” Loki croaked out, voice tired and groggy after the flight. The creature nodded.
“Will you?” It called out, followed by a few squawks.
No, never. Loki wanted nothing but his Anthony. Instead of staying in this freezing cave, Loki would prefer to stay in bed with fluffy blankets and Tony around him.
“It’s kind of cold here, how about going to our playground?” The leader of the flock asked, the birds squawked happily in response, jumping up and down, making noises as their claws touch the ground.
The eagles, one after one, flew towards a plain wall. Then one of them took action, it flapped its wings rapidly, and a green and brown portal appeared in front of them.
Wow, indeed, a wonderland. Loki stepped into the portal, following the birds. They were calling out excitedly, wings and feathers ruffling. He, too, was impatient. Well, who wouldn’t? It was such a beautiful place for everyone!
As soon as Loki and the birds arrived at the land, he took a deep breath, smiling as his eyes adjusted the brightness.
“Wow.” Loki exclaimed. Green grass, pretty and prehistoric flowers, and trees all around. Dinosaurs, lots of them, Loki could make out which kind of dinosaurs are they.
Velociraptors, running on the grassland and squawking happily. Some chased their own tails, when they turned to face Loki, welcoming him with several cute calls. Loki smiled back.
There were also flying creatures, Quetzalcoatluses, soaring up high, their beaks opening and closing when they called out. Wings beating strongly, they fly freely.
More dinosaurs, such as Sinoceratops, munching on the Cyrads, Sonorasauruses, Dimetrodons…Creatures from both Jurassic and Cretaceous ataceous period in this ‘playground’ of the Poukaideis.
Oh, how Loki wanted Tony to be here that time…
Loki sat on the grass, then lied down on it, enjoying the breeze.
His silent moment listening to dinosaurs was interrupted by a sudden grunt and crunching grass sounds beside him. He looked next to himself, startled, but what he saw was Tony.
“Anthony!” Loki said, pulling closer to him on the grass.
“Yes, yes, yes… Enough my Loki. Hate you.” Tony chanted mockingly.
“Oh no you don’t.” Loki smirked, knowing that his lover would love him forever.
“Mnh? Is that so? Lokes, so will you stay here?” Tony asked, lips starting to trail up to Loki’s jaw.
“Only if you do, my dear Anthony~” And he knew Tony would always agree.