5 Chapter 5: Self Defence!

Loki had lived for millennia, but time-travel was still something he was extremely careful to avoid, especially with amounts of time as large as this. Anything could go wrong, and for he knew a single paradox could collapse the universe—well, he hypothesised that it could, but couldn't know for sure, since the universe was yet to end.

This meant that until he got to a point beyond the time he had fallen from the Bifrost, Loki could not allow himself to be revealed to Asgard, the mortal world, or the previous version of himself.

Not having checked a calendar the last time he was here, Loki had no idea how long he would have to wait, but guessed that it would be under a decade. It shouldn't have been too much of an issue.

By that point, Harry wouldn't have reached the end of puberty and thus would not be able to access his full potential.

Being as wise as he was, Loki wouldn't have allowed his host to enter the world of gods for a few more years after that at least.

It was also at this point where if a physical form of him existed, he would find out. Loki pondered the ramifications of there being two of him at the same time who were actually capable of interacting with each other.

He would have frowned if he wasn't only a spirit. In all honesty, he would most likely hate himself. After all, both of them couldn't rule.

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"As I said before, it was self-defence," Loki said, his illusion appearing in the alleyway, standing next to where Harry was slumped against the wall. "If you had not taken their lives, you might now be dead, and so would I."

Harry sniffled. "And what about Dudley?"

"I explained this to you as well." Loki sighed, though his tone was patient. Whilst many would not believe it, he too had once had a similar conversation. "He literally ran into your knife. And have you not read the tales in which someone's parents are killed? The orphan always rises up and avenges them. You don't want that to happen to you."

With a sigh, Loki knelt down to Harry's level, manipulating the boy's nervous system so it felt as though he was tilting his head upwards. He stared into his eyes.

"Harry, we are similar in many ways, destined to be outcasts among our peers. These mortals–muggles–they will hate us for who we are. Our actions do not matter, for it will not change their opinions. If we are to survive, you must learn that you are far more important. With my addition to you, the blood of immortals courses through your veins."

By this point, Harry had calmed slightly. With a concealed grimace, Loki made his illusionary form pull the boy into a hug which was happily requited.

"Your wound should now be healed," murmured Loki. Whilst he couldn't outright use Harry's magic, he could manipulate a small portion of his own within Harry's own body, allowing him to heal him, manipulate his nerves, and enhance his muscles.

A cold gale whipped through the alley, but Harry didn't even shiver. Loki frowned. When Harry's magic inefficiency had taken the form of coldness instead of heat, he should have known something was afoot.

A few days ago, Harry had still been as sensitive to the cold as any other human. He doubted this new affinity for ice was natural.

The only explanation could be that for some reason Loki's frost giant side was having more of an effect on Harry than his Asgardian.

There were no downsides showing so far, but he hoped that Harry wouldn't end up as a blue abomination. He would have to begin altering Harry's physiology to that of an Asgardian to ensure that it didn't happen.

Hopefully, he would be capable of doing that. The strength, durability, and possible power boost would no doubt aid him as well.

"Come on, Harry," whispered the god. "You must find shelter; the mortal authorities will no doubt be seeking you."

Harry leaned against the wall, observing the people as they passed, wrapped up tightly in their winter coats. Since his first use of magic he rather preferred the cold for a reason Loki had decided not to disclose.

Noticing someone walking by close to him, he did as Loki instructed. An invisible tendril of magic came into existence, and with Loki's help, Harry was able to manipulate it just enough to reach it out a gently nudge a man's wallet out of his back pocket. It fell to the floor with a quiet thump, and no one seemed to notice.

Harry waited for a few moments before walking forward and calmly picking it up. His eyes widened as he stared at its contents.

Acting upon Loki's advice he had decided to target a man with more expensive looking clothing, and it seemed to have paid off. There had to be at least a few hundred pounds in here!

He pocketed the cash and dropped the wallet to the floor. Most would find it suspicious to see a child using a credit card anyway.

"Hey, kid!" a voice suddenly called from down the street, and Harry turned, his eyes widening. The man in the suit was running towards him, his face red. Harry turned and ran, zipping down the street with speed that a six-year-old shouldn't have possessed.

With Loki enhancing Harry's speed, the overweight businessman had no chance and was quickly lost as Harry darted his way through London's back alleys.

'Good job,' praised Loki. 'The man didn't notice the wallet leave his pocket, only that it wasn't there at a later date. He would have probably gone about his day if not for that.'

'Thanks,' Harry mentally replied, gasping for breath. A few days was not long enough for Loki to transition him from human to Asgardian, and combined with the fact he was a child, he still didn't have anywhere near superhuman levels of strength, speed, durability or stamina.

He was just far better than an average six-year-old, though neither Loki nor Harry saw this as a major achievement.