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In the aftermath of yet another brutal battle, Loki staggered through the ruins of the battleground, bloodied and bruised. He had faced defeat once again, but this time, the toll felt heavier than usual.
With a weary sigh, he brushed some of his platinum blonde locks out of his scarred face and summoned his magic, conjuring a blue portal to the hidden sanctuary he shared with his son, Jörmungandr.
A place they could call home.
Stepping through the swirling vortex, Loki emerged into the dimly lit cavern that served as their refuge. Gathering up those chains he used as his weapons, a constant reminder that they had once been his son, a cruel price they both paid for its existence.
The air was thick with the scent of earth and ancient magic, it wasn't ideal but a comforting embrace after the turmoil of the battlefield.
He glanced around the cavern, the familiar sight offering solace amidst the chaos of his thoughts. As Loki made his way deeper into the hideout, Loki's yellow eyes fell upon the massive form of Jörmungandr, coiled serenely in the centre of the chamber.
The great serpent regarded him with yellow piercing eyes, a silent understanding passing between them. With a heavy heart, Loki approached his son, his scales shimmering with an otherworldly glow.
Gently, Loki ran his hand along the length of his kin, checking for any sign of injury. Jörmungandr hissed softly, a sound of both pain and reassurance as he nuzzled against Loki's touch.
"I'm sorry, my boy," Loki murmured, his voice thick with regret. "I never meant to put you through all of this. At least you're not injured, that's for certain."
Jörmungandr's gaze softened, a silent understanding passing between them. Despite the pain and suffering they endured together, there was a bond between them that transcended their circumstances.
“Don't blame yourself for anything that happens to me or my siblings' father..it's out of your control.”
“Ah, I'll try not to, I know you're old enough to care for yourself but..you're still my child. I might just blame myself here and there for being so cruel.”
“Never one day in my whole existence have you been cruel, at least not to us.”
Loki rose to his feet, a smile forming on his scarred lips, “What a relief..” Suddenly a pang of hunger gnawed at his stomach. Jörmungandr lifted his head, regarding Loki with a curious gaze.
"Shall we eat then, father?" the serpent rumbled, his voice echoing deeply through the cavern. “You sound rather hungry..”
Loki couldn't help but chuckle, the tension of the moment momentarily forgotten.
"Of course, my son. But let's hope our meal is more satisfying than my recent battles."