(70 years later, - 7 years old)

A flash of black streaked through the green forest, a small figure running at top speed, dodging roots and other obstacles. Coming from the direction the little one was fleeing were roars of anger and pain, and the child was wearing a victorious smirk. His hand was clutching a small golden orb.

You might wonder how this child ended up here.

Not that long ago, Loki was informed that Steve, his last remaining Midgardian parent, had a failing heart. The serum had done well to keep him alive this long, but it could not extend his life forever.

Thor had sat with him while he received the news and explained that once Steve passed on the two of them would be going to Jotunn to stay, as there was little for them here anymore. He had been told that they had about three days left with him.

He had been told many things, very few of which he chose to believe.

Loki had gotten better with the idea of death, but he still refused to allow Steve to pass on without a fight.

In this case, the fight was a battle to get the small golden orb, known for being able to extend Midgardian lifespans to match that of Asgardians. He had only found out about within the past week, in an old tome he had never seen before.

Now two days after he had run off, he was ready to return and present the orb to Steve. To save his parent.

He knew he didn't have much time, despite never having slowed in his mad run, and it took almost everything he had to use a transport spell back to the hospital where he knew Steve would lay.

The raven found himself in a hallway swarming with people.

At first, he thought they might be there to say goodbye, his grin keeping in place. Soon they wouldn't have to, but when he saw the tears streaming down cheekbones, and that no one was entering the room, he began to worry.

Dodging under people's legs, he pushed his way into the room.

Doctors were standing by the bedside with Thor, trying to console him. Steve's body was still.

Eye going wide, Loki moved fast then he ever had before, up onto the bed, shoving the little orb into Steve's hands.

But it was too late. By minutes or seconds, he would never know, all he knew was it was too late.

This time he didn't cry, he didn't hold Steve's body and try to call him back.

Magic took him back to his room, where he curled up on himself and just stared into space.

Asking himself what he could've done differently.

Asking himself why he couldn't save even one of them.

They left the very next day for Jotunn.

A/N:

I lied.